As I’ve said before, I adore Park Hyatt Seoul but it does come with a hefty tag. If you’re on a budget, Small House Big Door is an acceptable choice. I primarily hate staying at hotels because so many of them are designed with no taste. SHBD may not be as clean, comfortable, and sleek as I’d like but it does have a sense of design, which seems to be a rarity. The rooms are clinically unadorned and have fun little touches like 3D printed keys and lamps. The hotels is also excellent in terms of location, with a subway station at its doorstep and just a 5 minute walk to Myeong-dong. Even if you’re on a budget, your eyes don’t deserve to be terrorized by tacky hotel decor. Go to Small House Big Door.

Auprés서초구 서초동 1451-86★★★★$$

Being in Seoul, I didn’t think my most memorable dining experience was going to be at a French restaurant, but it was. Auprés is a reasonably priced yet truly capable French restaurant with truly world-class dishes. The flavors are classic french, but with a light and fresh overtone. Everything was magnificent from the celeriac soup to the chicken stuffed with foie gras and mushrooms. Along with the stunning dishes, Auprés has a calm, soothing mood that makes it ideal for a date or a long dinner with a close friend. The mussel and paprika salad was a particularly notable dish and is a must-have if you visit.

XII용산구 이태원동 278-8★★★☆$$$

There are several locations of XII (or Bar 12) in Seoul. This one is notable because of its open layout that faces the street. Being summer, the windows were wide open, giving the bar a cafe-like mood. It’s a refreshing change from the dungeon-like bars you normally see. The drinks are decent too and crafted in a delicate manner, right in front of your seat. XII is worthy of praise but I don’t want small talk or loud music when I’m enjoying my drink - which XII unfortunately has plenty of. If you’re going to visit, it’s worth noting that the bar only has 12 seats though (get it?), which can make the place busy on weekends.

Ikovox용산구 이태원동 118-71★★★★$$

This is one of the best coffee shops in Seoul and feels like something pulled straight out of Brooklyn. Thankfully, Ikovox isn’t just style and has substance - they roast their own beans (daily) and offer all of their drinks in any of their roasts. Espressos are pulled with expertise and lattes are rich and chocolatey when made with their Cello bean blend. Unfortunately, the barista I had at the Garosu-gil location was mediocre, so make sure you come out to Itaewon to experience Ikovox.

Botton용산구 이태원동 140-861★★★☆$$

This is another solid choice for coffee in Itaewon. Botton is not a roastery like Ikovox but this isn’t a big deal because they seem to source good beans. The iced americano I had was great and I also appreciate the fact that Botton has flat whites on their menu. The cafe has big windows that face a quiet street of Itaewon, providing a rare opportunity of peace in the crazy neighborhood. It’s a pleasant place to bring a book or a good friend and kill and hour or two.

만수네용산구 이태원동 34-107★★★★$

Tteokbokki is a popular Korean dish that is often sold as street food, and is essentially rice cakes in a sweet and spicy chili sauce. I’ve been obsessed with this dish recently and have been looking for a restaurant that excels at it. 만수네 might be the best I’ve found on my recent visit. The tteokbokki is spicy without being inedible, and has enough sauce to dip tempura (which is the best part). What makes this place particularly great is their tempura, which is done in an unorthodox Japanese-style, making them extra crispy and delicate; it results in a tremendous texture when dipped in the chili sauce.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)중구 을지로 281★★☆☆$

Philosophically, I’m on the opposite side of the spectrum from Zaha Hadid, but I must admit, the massive Dongdaemun Design Plaza is an impressive thing to see in person. The DDP features exhibition halls, historic artifacts, and shops but there isn’t necessarily much substance there, so visit primarily for the architecture like myself. Be sure to go at night when the entire structure is lit from the inside-out and the tacky plastic rose garden transforms into a sea of lights. The DDP has instantly become of Seoul’s most iconic landmarks so it’s worth a visit if you haven’t been. It really isn’t as tacky as you might think.

마복림 떡볶이중구 신당동 292-112★★☆☆$

When talking about tteokbokki, 마복림 떡볶이 is a name that comes up often. It’s located in Shindang-dong tteokbokki town - an entire street dedicated to tteokbokki. I found it to have more hype than substance though. The food wasn't nearly as spicy enough, and doesn’t contain nearly enough rice cake. I love the efficient service though - payment is taken as you order. Regardless of their fame, I’d skip this one.

Common Ground광진구 자양동 17-1★☆☆☆$$

Conceptually, Common Ground is interesting. It’s built completely out of blue shipping containers and is filled with pop-up shops. The shopping center is surrounded by food trucks and has a nice diversity of restaurants and cafes on the rooftop too. Despite all this effort, I found Common Ground’s selection of shops dismal, and was bored very quickly. It also doesn't help that the place is designed like a maze and is a pain in the ass to get around in. It’s amazing how they’ve made an interesting idea so uninteresting. If you go, just expect to see a lot of tacky graphic tees and cheap Samsung Galaxy cases.

Alegria Coffee Roasters 광진구 자양동 17-1★★★☆$$

When you’re at Common Ground and annoyed by the curation of shops, head over to Algeria Coffee Roasters on the rooftop. They roast their own beans, have a solid menu, and the baristas seem to know what they’re doing. They also showcase new roasts on a seasonal basis, which is fun for the regular. There’s a pretty good cold brew on the menu too, which isn’t super common in Seoul yet. The seating is uncomfortable but you should honestly just enjoy the coffee and move on to a more interesting neighborhood.

김선생강남구 신사동 652★★★★$

“Fast casual” dinning seems to be a global phenomenon, and 김선생 is a perfect example of this formula done right. 김선생 specializes in gimbap (Korean makizushi), and focuses on the basics: a clean, streamlined experience, a focus on quality ingredients, and a low price-tag. And yes, the restaurant achieves all of these. I love how ordering is done on a touchscreen but the food is brought to your table by a server. It makes the dining experience streamlined but not too dystopian. The food is of course the highlight of 김선생, with gimbap rolled to order using quality ingredients you normally don’t see at this price point or category. My favorite on the menu is actually their cheapest gimbap, the 바른 김밥, which just contains a generous amount of vegetables and eggs.

Mikkeller강남구 신사동 544-22★★☆☆$$$

Mikkeller is a microbrewery from Copenhagen that’s well known for its unique collaborations. The Seoul location was launched recently and offers an impressive selection of beers on tap. First impressions were nice, with a playful interior sprinkled with fantastic illustrations Mikkeller is so well known for. I tried three different beers here and unfortunately didn’t enjoy any of them, as I found them too complex and fruity. That being said, I’m not a big fan of beer to begin with, so if you like beer, Mikkeller might be a different experience for you. I really did think the atmosphere really was spectacular though. I just wished it was a whiskey bar.

준’s 888은평구 서오릉로 195★★★★$

Every country has their interpretation of cheap Chinese food, and if you’re looking to taste the Korean interpretation of the cuisine, this is the best I’ve found in the city. I’ve been to countless Chinese restaurants in Korea but none come close to 준’s 888. The tiny restaurant run by just two (the chef, and his wife) and although it can look off-putting visually, it’s one of my favorite restaurants in the world. The place can be a bit of a trek from central Seoul, it’s totally worth the trip. Both pillars of Korean Chinese cuisine, jajangmyeon and jjamppong (particularly good when you add abalone here) are amazingly executed here, as is the sweet and sour pork. You know that a restaurant has go to be good when pretty much every Chinese restaurant in the city offers delivery and you don’t. As a matter of fact, 준’s 888 doesn’t even allow take-outs. Badass.

동빙고용산구 이촌동 301-162★★★☆$$

Bingsu is a Korean shaved ice dessert and is essential to surviving the humid Korean summers. 동빙고 is one of the Big Three’s of bingsu in the city, along with 옥루몽 and Mealtop (my favorite). 동빙고’s approach is about perfecting the basics. They only use Korean red beans and keep the recipe pure, using just ice, milk, condensed milk, and rice cakes, along with the mandatory red bean topping. The simple approach is effective, and there was a huge line when I visited. Thankfully, they offer take-out, complete with an insulating sleeve. Their bingsu was good, but I still prefer Mealtop, whom I’d give ★★★★, thanks to their richer, milk-based ice that's shaved smoother.

I take an opinionated approach on aesthetics and from my point of view, almost everything we manufacture today is hideous trash. I see too many people that talk about "good design" without properly demonstrating this promise. We make too much crap, and because we have limited resources, I believe that we should be more outraged. This is probably the main reason why I spend every other week writing and sharing products on this website. When something that’s functional and truly beautiful appears, I get really excited. This is one of those objects.

As some of you may know, I work as a designer at Microsoft. Yeongkyu Yoo is a someone that I work with and has been a great mentor of mine. He understands the fine art of aesthetics better than anyone I’ve met and when he's not at work, he manufactures products under the brand name 11+. The Bottle Humidifer is the most iconic product he’s worked on for 11+, and has a sculptural aesthetic that is the perfect example of premium design at a reasonable price. Simple, everyday products are some of the hardest things to shop for, which makes the Bottle Humidifier a particularly interesting product.

The 11+ Bottle Humidifier is priced at $90 (available for purchase in the US/Canada via Leibal). It’s not the cheapest humidifier you can buy but not unreasonable, considering the smaller production runs it has. The humidifier comes packaged in a matte dark grey box that’s simply embossed with typographical graphics. It’s tasteful and sophisticated. Yoo and I often talk about the beautiful texture you get when printing color on white paper, rather than using colored paper. This is a good illustration of this technique.

Inside the paper box, the humidifier comes wrapped in a canvas bag. It’s a clever idea that's isn't too expensive and makes for an interesting unboxing experience. The bag is also reusable, which can now serve a greater purpose than protecting the product during shipping (I use mine to carry cables).

In terms of form, the Bottle Humidifier is as its name suggests, very much like a bottle. It’s an iconic shape and because of its lack of frivolous ornamentation, you can enjoy its form to the fullest. The only thing interrupting the clean design is a small, debossed 11+ logo.

This soft bottle shape gives it a neutral character that easily blends into the environment. This is what a good product for the home should be like; waiting in the background until the moment you need it.

What makes the humidifier particularly successful in my opinion is the juxtaposition of soft surfaces with sharp edges. It’s a modern approach to design that I believe to be the most relevant language in contemporary industrial design. It speaks to the friendliness of modern products but also expresses the precision and manufacturing prowess we have.

One of Yoo’s signature elements is a touch of orange to a largely neutral product. This presence is on the power cable for the Bottle Humidifier. Power is supplied using a built-in USB cable, which makes it ideal for use on a desk next to a computer. It also works fine using a USB power adapter, which many people have extras of collecting dust in their drawers.

Although it would have been nice to see the same design in more premium materials like ceramic and glass, the Bottle Humidifier makes do with plastics to keep prices reasonable. The execution is pretty good though, thanks to the super-matte texture of the plastic and the thick bottom of the clear base.

Operation is simple; the only controls on the humidifier are a simple +/- rocker switch. Pressing + once powers the device on and pressing it twice puts it in intermittent mode for use in smaller rooms.

As far as the actual vaporizing goes, the Bottle Humidifier uses the common ultrasonic wave nebulizing method. This method uses a piezoelectric transducer that produces a consistent, soft mist and starts up instantly. It’s relatively low power (vaporizes at a rate of 30ml/hr) though, so I'd recommend it for a small bedroom or office and not your living room.

The Bottle Humidifier uses a filter (an extra is supplied) to suck up water from the 440ml capacity bottle. Because nebulizing doesn’t introduce heat, occasional cleaning of the vaporizer is recommended to clean contaminants introduced from the water. Having a replaceable filter is a nice design choice as it’s hygienic and convenient.

Final score★★★★

The 11+ Bottle Humidifier has become a bit of a modern icon in the industrial design community. When it launched, there was a ton of hype behind this product and it’s easy to see why. Admittedly, there have been a few manufacturing hiccups initially but I hear that they have now been smoothened out. If you’re in the market for a humidifier to use in a small room, I can’t think of a better recommendation. It’s a tremendously pretty object to behold, something you want to keep around, even if you aren’t using it. I sometimes call Yeongkyu Yoo “sensei” at work jokingly, but this is an example of why he’s no joke

Surprisingly clever and simple in design, the Ora teapot and teacups are affordable, well made and a pleasure to use. The humble looking Ora teapot comes with a (overly trendy) cork lid and a wire coil strainer in the box that works surprisingly well (I’ve used it with green and oolong tea). The company also makes matching tea cups that come in a set of two. Both the teapot and cups have a double-walled design that keep heat way from the outer walls, eliminating the need for a handle. This also helps insulate the tea inside, making it a truly functional design. I really like the simple, primitive aesthetic achieved via the usage of double walls and appreciate the utilitarian nature of the objects. It's an unpretentious, functional product that you'll want to use everyday.

As you may know, I’m a huge fan of Aēsop’s products for their beautiful aroma and design. This is their first venture into creating a fragrance; the unisex Marrakech Intense. They had an earlier second iteration of the same scent, but the original lacked staying power so the intensity was cranked up – hence the name “Marrakech Intense”. In terms of aroma, Marrakech is woody, spicy, with a touch of floral. It's a smooth and natural smell that's also sophisticated. Distinctively Aēsop is the best way to describe it. I’ve received many compliments for wearing this, and I agree with Aēsop, the Marrakech is inoffensive and neutral, making it a good choice regardless of gender.

The Lamy Pico makes a good everyday pen. Using a spring-loaded mechanism, it collapses into a compact size, not much bigger than a lip balm. When expanded though, it's almost as big as a regular pen making it comfortable to write with. Some may find the Pico a bit thick for extended writing though. The pen uses Lamy's M22 ballpoint refill, which is one of the smoother ballpoint tips I’ve used. The outer shell is largely made from brass but doesn’t feel as premium as it should, due to the largely plastic interior construction. Overall, the Pico is a fine pen with an appealing design. You will get tired of people asking why you have a tampon on your desk though.

There have been many smart watches predating the Apple Watch, but this is the first one worthy of being called a “watch”. It’s built with the precision and craftsmanship comparable to products an order of magnitude more expensive. It's a true expression of what Apple's best at - great hardware. The Apple Watch is made from sapphire, stainless steel, and ceramic, all of which really make it a beautiful object to behold. If you're in the market for one, I'd recommend the stainless steel watch; the aluminum sport model is a disappointment, with an unappealing finish that comes off feeling a bit cheap and unrefined. Where the Apple Watch becomes more difficult to judge is in its functionality. Just like the first generation iPhone and iPads, it's too early to make any concrete conclusions about its validity as a product. If you live in an Apple ecosystem though, I think you’ll largely enjoy having the Watch on your wrist. It’s not something I’d call a must-buy just yet, but if you get one out of curiosity, you won’t be disappointed. Personally, having notifications, alerts and fitness tracking on my wrist is enough of a reason for me to charge this thing every night. It’s easy to be skeptical and negative about the Apple Watch but once you use it, you won't want to take it off. It grows on you. Slowly, but it will.

Constructed almost exclusively from machined stainless steel parts, the Link Bracelet is easily the most impressive band available for Apple Watch. There two big innovations here: the links can be removed without a tool and the butterfly clasp is the thinnest I’ve ever seen. It’s beautiful, precise and a bargain at $449 when considering the number of machined components it's made of. Like other stainless steel watch bands, you'll end up scratching this one up during regular use. It's not a big deal though, as stainless steel is an easy material to refinish.

I’ve always liked Milanese straps for their comfort and the Apple Watch’s is no exception. The Milanese Loop is made from woven stainless steel coils, forming a fabric-like mesh. The strap closes impressively using a magnet, which makes it infinitely adjustable. I like the comfort this one offers but am a bit conflicted about it’s almost retro design. This is a good option if you want a comfortable yet premium option but don't like the leather straps that are available like myself.

The Sport Band on the Apple Watch is made from fluoroelastomer, which is a dense, durable material that is also very pliable, making it immensely comfortable. Marc Newson’s influence is clearly shown here: the Sport Band has nearly identical in design as the beautiful Ikepod Hemipode’s strap. I’ve tried every Apple Watch band and the Sport Band is possibly the most comfortable for me. Many people just talk about how expensive the Apple Watch is, but this is an example of how Apple is bringing truly luxurious craftsmanship to the masses. If this had a Swiss watchmaker’s logo on it, it would have been several hundred dollars more expensive. The only problem I have is that most of the colors are unappealing and far too vibrant for my tastes. I had originally purchased a white band but didn't like the color in person (it's too bright) so I ended up swapping it with a black one.

Finding a simple leather strap can be a surprisingly hard task. A friend of mine discovered Gordy’s at our local Leica Store so I picked one up for my Leica T (I'm using a T Strap Lug Kit from Match Technical). Gordy's strap has a dead simple construction and is devoid of any adjustability or padding, which is just the way I like it. While it isn’t exactly made with a high level of precision, you can’t go wrong with its amazingly low price.

I needed new glasses last month so I decided to go with the Mercer by one of my favorite brands, Mykita. If you haven’t heard of them, they are an eyewear manufacturer based in Berlin that makes exclusively handmade frames. I’ve always like them due to their clever construction and manufacturing methods. The Mercer uses Mykita’s skrewless hinge, which uses interlocking stainless steel components to form a hinge. It’s a clever design that is not only more durable than traditional hinges but also feels like a Mercedes’ door to close; it’s German after all. I’m happy with the Mercer but I can’t help but feel like these eyewear brands still need to charge us less.

Camper always manages to make awesome stuff and I fell in love with the Mortimer at first sight when I was in Milan last month. The Mortimer is the manifestation of what Camper is all about – an element of surprise. You may only notice the beautifully matte pigskin at first glance but upon closer inspection, you’ll see details like the angular rubber outsole and the unique molded forms. It’s a smart and modern take on a familiar type of shoe.

For the sake of my sanity, I recently purchased these refillable pump bottles from Muji so that I didn’t have to look at ugly hand soap packaging. It pumps well, and looks better than anything on the shelves of Safeway but I wonder if I’ve gone insane by buying a PET bottle for $4.5.

The fact that Xiaomi is able to produce something so well made for just $14 is precisely why we should keep a close eye on them. The finish of the aluminum on the Power Bank is pretty damn nice and simply amazing when you consider how cheap this product is. It's certainly better than any aluminum finish you'd find on a Samsung product. The model I went with has a capacity of 10400mAh, which holds enough juice to charge an iPhone several times. I took mine to Europe and it only needed to be recharged every other day, even with my friend recharging his phone with it. Once Xiaomi begins to produce original designs, they're going to be a force to be reckoned with.

AIAIAI is a Danish brand that exclusively produces headphones. The TMA-1 was an immensely successful product for them and was the product that really put them on the map. The company recently launched a successor to the popular TMA-1, the TMA-2, and while the headphones look nearly identical in design, there are some new and interesting ideas AIAIAI is playing with. Execution has been AIAIAI’s number one issue for me, so we’ll see how well they’ve done this time.

DISCLAIMERThe TMA-2 has been sent by AIAIAI.

The big idea behind the TMA-2 is the idea of modularity. The headphones are made up of a variety of modular parts, which include speaker units, headbands, earpads and cables, that can be all be easily swapped out. All in all, there are 360 possible configurations possible with the TMA-2. The ability to build your own headphones is a brilliant idea and is something that AIAIAI can also expand on in the future, with additional modules.

The packaging is well done. It’s modestly folded from a nicely textured black paper stock. Everything is done tastefully; there’s a debossed pattern on the front and the graphics are printed using a grey ink. I also like how the box is held together using plastic pegs on the sides of the box, rather than fussy tape.

To make SKU management easier, the various modular parts are individually packed in MRE-like packets. The graphical treatment is attractive and the label treatment on the backside is utilitarian.

The design of the TMA-2 is pretty much identical to its predecessor, the TMA-1. This is largely a good thing; the TMA-1’s simple, Scandinavian design was key to its success. The headphones are free of any unnecessary garnish and is made up of primitive, almost toy-like forms. It's not sophisticated but it's charming.

What makes the TMA-2’s design work is the consistency of its details. Little things like the debossed L/R graphics really make the TMA-2 feel like a holistically conceived device.

Like its predecessor, the TMA-2 has a soft-touch finish. It’s something I’ve never liked because it wears poorly and almost always turns gummy over time. The soft-touch coating used here seams to exhibit the same kind of poor durability. After just a week of use, I’ve been noticing some scraping on the top of the headband (visible in this photo). It may look good in photos and feel nice out of the box but it really isn’t a surface treatment with longevity in mind.

Like all of AIAIAI's products, the TMA-2 falls short is in execution. I can only describe the quality of molding here as being mediocre. The headband has molding defects everywhere – you can see a severe case of sink marks and flash on the headband. This is unacceptable in my opinion, especially when you consider that these headphones are competing in the $200+ price range.

Even with just two pairs of speakers and earpads, I found the variety of combinations I could make a bit overwhelming at first. I wondered how people would even go about purchasing their initial configuration and it turned out that AIAIAI had a great solution. They have a useful online configurator that lets you customize your headphones presented with a dynamic graph showing a sound profile for each configuration. If you like spending time on car configurators, you’ll enjoy this.

Unlike the TMA-1, the TMA-2 features headphone jacks on both sides of the headphones - a welcome change.

H02 50 USD

The H02 headband is made from nylon with a compression molded silicone headband. It’s completely void of any mechanical features and relies on material flex to fit over your ears. This does mean that it produces a significant amount of pressure on your ears. I find that on-ear earpads become too uncomfortable for extended use with the headband.

C0640 USD

The 1.2m long C06 is the ideal cable for those intending to use the headphones with Apple devices. It features playback controls and also an in-line microphone. I like the smooth, matte finish of the cable as well.

S0390 USD

The first thing you’ll notice about the TMA-2 speaker units is that they’re hard to tell apart from eachother. A small label on the inside of the unit is the only way to tell them apart and otherwise look completely identical. The S03 is designed to have “warm” sound. It has a titanium coated driver, which is fully sealed delivering a rich sound with emphasis on bass.

S04100 USD

AIAIAI says that this one is meant to be “vibrant”. It has a Japanese voice coil and a lightweight diaphragm, which are designed for high sensitivity and increased details. The S04, like the S03, are still heavier on the bass side but offer a bit more emphasis on the treble offering a better balance. As you can see here, the TMA-2 uses a spring-loaded peg to position itself on the headband. It works but the completely plastic construction makes a terrible racket when you adjust them.

E0235 USD

AIAIAI sent me two earpads, the E02 and E05. The E02s are made from polyurethane faux leather and sit on the ear. Producing a tight seal around the ear, the E02 earpads narrow sound stage and increases isolation and bass. As I've said, I personally find them to be too tight for extended use.

E0550 USD

The E05 earpads offer superior comfort thanks to its over-ear design and microfiber finish. The E05s make soundstage wider and help neutralize the sound profile of bass-heavy speaker units. I really don’t like the shoddy craftsmanship and how much a dust magnet they are but keep going back to them because of their comfortable nature.

The TMA-2 uses a simple popper system to mount the earpads. Modularity is a special idea so emphasizing this with something like magnetic earpads would have been a nice touch.

S03 + E02215 USD

This combination produces a rich sound that’s probably the way the S03 units are meant to be enjoyed. Bass becomes the star of the show with highs being pushed a bit to the background. I’ve found this configuration to be better in higher volumes and with punchier music like pop or hip hop. This isn't personally a combination I would buy because the E02 earpads reduce soundstage significantly and the S03 speaker units lack too much clarity.

★★☆☆

S03 + E05230 USD

This combination feels flat with the mids becoming more pronounced than the previous combination. I prefer the more delicate rendering of bass here and also like how the E05 pads significantly expands the sound stage. Some may find the neutral sound characteristic a bit too boring but it has low fatigue and is good for extended listening. If there was a bit more detail here, this combination could have been a winner.

★★★☆

S04+ E02225 USD

If bass is all that matters, this is probably the best bet. I find the sound way too unbalanced as the bass ends up overpowering everything. There’s little detail, the soundstage is too narrow, making it all feel claustrophobic. Not a fan.

★☆☆☆

S04 + E05240 USD

Probably the most detailed and vibrant configuration. This one is my favorite, with the most amount of versatility in its sound profile. Bass is well rendered and punchy but doesn’t overpower the mids or treble. The E05 earpads help widen the soundstage and also allows you to enjoy the sensitive nature of the S04 speaker units. The vibrant sound of this combination seems to make this the ideal combination for everyday, casual use.

★★★☆

Final score★★★☆

The TMA-2 is a wonderful concept. The ability to configure your own headphones really brings out the fun of discovering the delicate nature of sound. It was eye opening to find out that my least and most favorable combinations both used the same speaker units - I seemed to have underestimated the amount of impact earpads could have on sound. If AIAIAI ups their game on build quality and design, they may have something really special here.

I recently returned from a trip to Europe visiting Paris, Stuttgart, Munich, Venice, and Milan. I apologize for my extended hiatus – which was primarily due to the trip but also because of some personal matters. Readers that have heard of my visit to Europe have asked me to post a travel guide of places I've visited but I think I’ll have to pass this time. The primary reason is that I don’t think I’ve spent enough time in the cities I've visited to form a solid enough list of recommendations. The secondary reason is that I’ve been sent a few things to review, and these requests will have to take priority.

Nevertheless, I know that many readers are fans of cars like myself, so I thought I should at minimum share some of my photos from the Porsche and Mercedes-Benz Museums. Enjoy.

The entire reason for visiting Stuttgart was to visit the Porsche Museum. Porsche best exemplifies good design values, and has an opinionated approach that I appreciate. I see them as a car company with an unbeatable lineup of vehicles that was achieved through an approach that's not unlike Apple. The Museum is designed by Delugan Meissl and located near the company’s headquarters. If you're simply a fan of design, this one is worth a visit even if you don't care much about cars. The museum is executed meticulously, and tells a brilliant story using great graphic design and installations.

The exhibition space was designed by HG Merz and features a layout that is as concise and logical as the brand itself. The Museum is structured using a chronological timeline of the company’s cars in a linear manner. As you move through the company’s history, you begin to understand the values that structure the backbone of the brand, like the concept of consistency and lightness. I’m a fan of ordered, linear exhibitions and the round tour is the perfect example of a well conceived one.

Simplicity, and the idea of rational evolution are probably the strongest traits of Porsche as a brand. This is what really strikes you move through the Porsche museum. Every car that Ferdinand Porsche has worked on, like the 1939 Type 64 seems to point in the inevitable direction of today’s 911. There are very few products and even less brands that can really demonstrate this level of purity in vision. Even someone that knows nothing about Porsche can see the clear lineage here, and that's a powerful thing.

Visually, the 1962 Porsche 804 F1 car was one of the highlights in the museum for me due to it’s simple elegance. This was a bit of a controversial project at the time because the questionable marketability of technology developed through F1 on road cars. It’s no surprise that Porsche withdrew from F1 at the end of the season. Regardless of it’s short history, the tiny, mid mounted, air-cooled boxer 8-cylinder machine would be an amazing thing to play with.

I was also drawn to the Porsche 908 KH and the 904 which sat in the same room as the 804. The 908 KH (white) is honestly a bit of a mess but it sits so low and wide that you can’t help but be impressed by it’s charisma. The 904 (silver), also called Carrera GTS, is the real beauty here with its classic form and classic silver paint job. Like every car in this museum, it begins to tell a story of evolution, in this case, it's one that leads to the 917. There’s also some modern Porsche here, and you can easily see a bit of the 918, 919 Hybrid and even Cayman in these cars.

When you're a company that can say that you’ve invented the market you compete in, there’s a lot to say. There’s just so much history behind the three-pointed star. Porsche, like the cars they make are simple. They make sports cars that are consistent and rational. Mercedes-Benz is complex. They make everything from the finest luxury sedans to utilitarian trucks. This is how I felt about the Mercedes-Benz museum. Despite having a relatively linear spiral floor plan like Porsche (even designed by the same designer), the story felt too overwhelming to consume on one visit. It’s a great museum that tells a grand story but be prepared to leave feeling more confused about the brand than ever before.

Next door to the Mercedes-Benz Museum is a sales center that features pretty much every vehicle the company currently makes. There are so many cars here that this building in itself is enough to spend an entire afternoon. The highlight for me was without a doubt, the AMG GT. I’m not a big fan of Mercedes’ new heavily surfaced design language but the AMG GT has a strong presence (especially with the noise its 4.9L V8 makes) that I can see distracting 911 buyers. Thanks to the long hood, the side profile is particularly attractive.

The journey begins with an ascend in a science fiction looking elevator. Once you get off at the top floor, the first thing on display is a horse, not a car. This is one of the most memorable moments of the museum for me. It’s humbling to think that they’re able to bookend their legacy with the horse and their F 015 concept car.

The Legend of Mercedes-Benz starts here with Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz, who created the first two autmobiles in 1886 – the Benz Patent Motor Car and the Daimler Motorized Carriage. Both cars have their own benefits, the Patent Motor Car was designed from the ground up, and therefore more modern, which is evident by its isolated, rear mounted engine. The Motorized Carriage on the other hand is architecturally just a modified carriage but features a more advanced engine; the “Grandfather Clock”, which Mecerdes-Benz likes to tout as the “world’s first small high-speed internal combustion engine to run on gasoline”.

The Museum is composed of over 160 vehicles but there were two that I was really drawn towards. First is the 1923 10/40 hp Mercedes sports two-seater. The model S, model SSK and 500K are the stars of this era of sporting Mercedes vehicles but I love its compact size and the pairing of saddle leather with white paint. This was the world’s first production car with a supercharged engine and while it only produces 40 hp, it looks like a ton of fun. This is what the SLK should be in spirit.

Early Mercedes-Benz racing cars were called “Silver Arrows” by the press and were immensely successful at their time. Auto Union (evolved into what we now know as Audi) was also grouped into the same family and had my favorite car, the Type C. Historically though, the Mercedes-Benz W 25 is the most significant and was the first model to be called a Silver Arrow. The W 25 was originally painted white but when it arrived at Nürburgring for its first race, it was a kilogram over the weight limit. To reduce its weight. the mechanics sanded away its paint, leaving the car bare aluminum. I think the W 25 is the most handsome of the Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows, thanks to its simple form and prominent grill, which is almost Audi in shape. I've always loved the pairing of aluminum, fabric and leather but now that I know that this was done by accident and in panic, it's even more spectacular.

Yu-Be was founded in 1957 by a pharmacist named Yoshikiyo Nowatari, who invented the brand’s infamous glycerin-based moisturizing cream that is sold to this day. The Yu-Be lip balm follows a similar formula as the cream but adds a number of ingredients like coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and aloe vera. I’ve found the lip balm to be fairly effective and like its pine-like smell. It’s worth recommending for mildly dry lips but Burt’s Bees still seem to make the more effective product.

Inspired by the shape of classic bowling bags, the Côte&Ciel Seine is able to carry a 13” MacBook and is surprisingly high capacity thanks to its flexible design. In typical Côte&Ciel fashion, the quality of hardware, stitching and materials all exceptional. It's functional too with plenty of pockets and clever little touches like a detachable key ring. The only complaint I have is with the material of the bag, which Côte&Ciel calls “Memory Tech”, is just a bit too thin and I'm not sold on the wrinkly in appearance. I would personally go with the cheaper Eco Yarn model.

The Air Max 1 Ultra Moire is one the newest models in the Air Max family and is all about the reduction of weight and materials. The shoe features a new outsole that has deep cutouts, reducing material use while increasing flexibility. I noticed the difference in weight immediately and found them to be the most comfortable Air Max model I’ve ever tried. The perforated pattern also makes it my favorite design so far, and looks particularly great on a white shoe. I ordered mine from Nike iD in all white with a silver logo, though in retrospect should’ve made the logo white as well. It’s a classic shape, with a fresh new perforated design and also a major improvement in comfort.

Aēsop is an Australian skin care brand and make some spectacular products. My hands have been really dry this winter and I ended up with the Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm at an Aēsop store after falling in love with its smell. Its sweet, herbaceous aroma is so good that I find myself applying it even when I don’t need to. It also does a good job of moisturizing while absorbing quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy surface. Best of all, like all Aēsop products, it comes in beautifully graphic packaging.

If you’re looking for tremendous value, nothing comes close to Muji’s skin care lineup. I bought a bottle of lotion out of pure curiosity on a business trip and have been using/recommending Muji skin care products ever since. Their products are divided into three lines differentiated by bottle color; Sensitive (white), Organic (green) and Aging (brown). Muji takes the approach of providing hydration and protection to skincare, which the company says is the root cause of most problems. All of the products provide excellent hydration, don’t leave residue and are extremely mild, which makes them perfect for delicate skin. A 200ml bottle of their standard moisturizing milk is only $10.50 and will last forever. Do yourself a favor and at least try a travel size bottle.

I’m a big fan of matcha and came across hibiki-an.com after looking for a simple way to import the tea from Japan. Hibiki-an operates directly from Kyoto and makes it super easy to buy some of the highest quality tea from the country. Once you try their Pinnacle (30g/$40) and Super Premium (40g/$34) grade matchas from them, you won’t be able to drink anything else. The company also sells a large variety of other teas and accessories like whisks and bowls, making it the perfect one stop shop. International shipping is also free on orders over $36, which seals the deal for me.

Designed by the infamous contemporary designer, Jasper Morrison, the Family Goblet by Alessi is made from crystal glass. It's an understated, utilitarian interpretation of the wine glass, free of any pretension. Those looking for a more traditional wine glass won’t like the short stem but I like the stability and sense of durability it provides. It’s a product that doesn’t feel precious and is something that you can use everyday. I like that.

Most of the stuff Ikea makes is disposable garbage but if you dig deep enough, you can find some fantastic gems. The dinnerware in the Ikea’s 365+ Series are made from feldspar porcelain, are durable and pretty attractive looking as well. I really like the off-white color, lack of ornamentation and the rounded, modern forms. Of course, because they’re so cheap, you can’t expect Alessi or iittala quality but they’re honestly not bad for being just a few dollars each.

Based out of Seoul, Cool Enough Studio produces a variety of objects from calendars to cushions. Their best seller is Mirror, a compact mirror in a prism-like shape. When the studio reached out to me, I was most fascinated by their calendar called Have A Nice Year, which turns out to unfortunately offer no real-world functionality. It pains me to give anyone a one star review but I had to after trying their hanger, which has the primary functionality of ruining shoulders of clothing. There's simply not enough substance to be had here, and is only made worse when realizing that pricing is also pretty steep considering the lackluster quality and craftsmanship.

As far as rice cookers go, Zojirushi is probably the most famous brand that exists. The NS-YAC10 uses a Micom system (for those new to rice cookers, refer to this post) and is about as nice as they get before you go up to an induction model. The Zojirushi’s logic seems to react well to different water levels and types of rice resulting in perfectly cooked rice every time. There are countless cooking modes but “Umami” is my favorite logic setting. It soaks and steams the rice for an extended period, enhancing its flavor and texture. The only drawback is that it extends the cooking time significantly but I find myself using it whenever I have some time to spare. If you’re looking for a flawless, fuss-free rice cooker, this is as good as it gets. If only Zojirushi would hire better designers. Ugh… look at the terrible typography.

Snow Peak is a camping gear manufacturer but many of their products end up being used in the home because of their sheer attractiveness. It almost makes it excusable that they call themselves a “natural lifestyle creator". The Stainless Double Mug has a simple shape and has a beautiful mirror finish that reminds me of iPod backs. It has a double-walled design, which does a good job of insulating your drinks, whether it be at a campsite or at home like myself. My favorite touch is how the mug has sharp external edges but rounds inwards, creating a soft surface for your lips.

Portland (Oregon) and Seattle are my most frequently requested cities for a MM Travel Guide so I put one together for Portland during my trip there last week. I’ll get to a Seattle travel guide eventually as well. Enjoy.

★☆☆☆Avoid, a waste of time.

★★☆☆Good, but mediocre.

★★★☆Great. Worth a visit.

★★★★Exceptional. A spiritual experience.

$Affordable

$$Reasonable

$$$Pricey

Sunset Audi

★★★★Beaverton$$

When I was driving down to Portland from Seattle, a bolt flew off of a truck and hit my Audi’s radiator, making it leak coolant. Thankfully we weren’t too far from Portland and decided to push forward to the city’s largest Audi dealership, Sunset Audi, topping off the coolant whenever it bottomed out. They were extremely hospitable, getting me in a loaner quickly and finishing the repair by early next morning. The dealership noticed that a new protective grille was available in front of the radiator and installed that as well. It was annoying that this happened but was solved painlessly thanks to Sunset’s professionalism.

Ace Hotel Portland

★☆☆☆Downtown$$

After hearing so much about Ace Hotel, I expect much more from them. It’s amazing what can be considered as “charming” these days. In terms of location, Ace Hotel Portland is phenomenal. It’s right in the heart of downtown and walking distance to the Pearl District. Unfortunately, I found it to feel more like a worn down college dorm room than a trend leading hotel. The poorly painted rooms show dozens of layers of paint, and everything from the air conditioner to the shower knobs look distressed, not gracefully aged. Tiny rooms, creaking floors, weak showers and lack of parking only add to the disappointment and are too much to compensate for the few charming touches like the nice bathrobes and cute keys.

Pok Pok

★★★★Richmond$

Pok Pok is a thai restaurant focused on street style food done with creative freedom. Last year, the New York location notably received a Michelin star. The Vietnamese fish sauce wings are their signature dish and I can assure you, they are out of control. I’m not much of a chicken person and rarely order it at a restaurant but they're totally mouth watering here. Another notable dish was the charcoal grilled eggplant salad that was topped with a surprising combination of Thai chillies, fish sauce, palm sugar, boiled egg, dry shrimp, and prawns. Everything I’ve had here was fantastic, including the water, which is infused with pandanus leaf (has a nutty flavor). Keep in mind that the dishes are best enjoyed family style and be sure to follow your server’s advice as the menu can get overwhelming in terms of choice. The decor is a bit erratic and maybe overly quirky but tends to work because of its cleanliness. Pok Pok has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants ever, and is a must visit when in Portland.

DOC

★★★☆Concordia$$

DOC is an intimate and charming Italian restaurant with weekly menus. The tasting menu is the best way to experience the restaurant and is shockingly cheap at just $60 per person for a 6 course meal. The tiny kitchen is located at the entrance of the restaurant, giving the restaurant a welcoming, informal mood. My first visit to DOC was absolutely brilliant with every dish absolutely spot on, but this visit, some of the dishes failed to impress, with some of the dishes being surprisingly poorly seasoned. I suppose that’s the asterisk I need to put on my recommendation as experimentation seems to have resulted in a bit of inconsistency for the food here. Regardless of this though, DOC gets so many things right like their humble atmosphere, good wine, perfect pacing, and most importantly, spirit of experimentation.

Voodoo Doughnut

★☆☆☆Chinatown$

I don’t get it. This place has so much hype that you’d think they actually had good doughnuts. After waiting in a long line, you’re rewarded with a remarkably average doughnut with either an outrageous topping or a poorly executed decoration. There is absolutely nothing I find redeeming about this place. Save this one for the tourists. No thank you.

Salt & Straw

★★★★Richmond$

Salt & Straw is a chain of ice-cream shops based out of Portland that’s doing everything right. Like any reputable ice-cream shop, they make their own waffle cones, which makes the whole place smell delightful when you enter. Their ice-cream is creamy, velvety and has a strong milk flavor which will make you craving for more. My personal pick is always sea salt with caramel ribbons but Salt & Straw is also known for their crazy seasonal flavors like mincemeat pie. What makes this place particularly great is their dedication to quality. For instance, the caramel they use is made in-house and their honey lavender ice-cream is made by using Oregon-grown lavender petals steeped in local honey. They’ll make you ice-cream all over again.

Multnomah Whiskey Library

★★★★Downtown$$

A bar known for their multi-hour long waits, Multnomah Whiskey Library is best enjoyed on a quiet weekday. The place feels classy from the moment you enter, and has a mood that perfectly demonstrates what a whiskey bar should be like. The bar is dominated by massive library-esque shelves that hold 1500 whiskeys, showing off that they have the most extensive whiskey list in town. When sitting in a booth, a bartender dressed neatly in a vest comes to your table with a cart to make your cocktail in front of you. This isn’t just for entertainment though, as the drinks were top notch, with thoughtful attention to details like the perfectly clear oversized ice cubes and the leather coasters. If you love whiskey and a good old-fashioned, visiting this place is necessary.

Stumptown

★★★☆Downtown$$

Stumptown has locations sprinkled across the US but are headquartered in Portland. They’re regarded as one of the best roasters in the country and have a cold brew that is straight up amazing. In terms of execution, this shop at Ace Hotel is neatly done and located conveniently while shopping in downtown. Stumptown coffee is always good but I had to knock a star off for lack of consistency at this particular location and absolutely disgusting croissants (I warn you, just get coffee here).

Quin

★★☆☆Downtown$$$

In theory, Quin should be a four star establishment. They make hand crafted candy from high quality, local ingredients, all wrapped in a modern, clean package. Unfortunately, their candies just don’t taste that special. Sure, they’re good, but I don’t think their worth $16 for a pack of 20 caramels good. These guys either need to up their game in terms of flavor and execution or dramatically reduce their pricing.

Canoe

★★★★Downtown$$

Canoe is probably my single favorite store in Portland. They curate design objects from glassware to watches and do a beautiful job of it. There’s interesting objects from brands like Iittala, Snow Peak, Braun and I find myself buying something every time I visit. Something I really enjoy about Canoe is how they have a card for each product telling its story. A product without a story is like a car without history, and Canoe seems to get this. These kinds of design oriented stores are a rarity in most American cities and ones that curate good products even more rare. Canoe is one of those rare gems and it’s unfortunate none like it exist in Seattle. I’ve found the staff to be friendly as well and they always give you a bag of Haribo gummy-bears when you make a purchase.

Aēsop

★★★★Downtown$$$

Aēsop is an Australian company specializing in skin care products with a particularly big emphasis on design. I’m a huge fan of the brand, not only because they do a superb job on design but also because they make fantastic products. They primarily use plant-based ingredients, smell great, but also work really well. Every proper city has an Aēsop store and this one is a pretty good one. A wash basin stands in the center of the store where you can test out their soap products and end with a sampling of their lotions. Staffed with friendly employees, they help you find products you like and sell the brand’s friendly image spectacularly. Little touches like the way they spray their perfume on the shopping bag really demonstrates Aēsop’s masterful ability to sell a retail experience.

Snow Peak

★★★☆Pearl District$$

This is the only retail location of the Japanese camping brand, Snow Peak in North America. I’ve always liked their honest, craftsmanship driven approach, so it was a delight to find this store in Portland. The selection here is pretty comprehensive from camping gear to apparel. The store isn’t particularly attractive but the products themselves make it worth the visit. This is the brand that pretty much invented the modern glamour of camping - if you like the Japanese approach to design, you’ll like Snow Peak.

Steven Alan

★★★★Downtown$$

Located across the street from Ace Hotel, Steven Alan is where I usually end up spending the most amount of money in Portland. They primarily carry Steven Alan but also carry some of my favorite brands like Acne and Norse Projects. The design of the store is a bit underwhelming but the great curation and helpful staff totally make up for it. If you can’t find anything to buy here, there’s something wrong with you.

Table Of Contents

★★☆☆Chinatown$$$

Located in Chinatown, Table of Contents is a tiny store that carries a variety of products from apparel to objects. Desirable brands like Comme des Garçons and Issey Miyake dominate the store but I’ve found the selection to be a bit too thin. It’s worth a visit for some of the quirky curation that happens here - there was a Jack Nicholson book this time that was pretty great.

Nike

★★☆☆Downtown$$

Nike is headquartered pretty close to Portland so I was hoping that this downtown location would be something special. Unfortunately, it’s not all that special and falls short of it’s New York counterpart in both retail design and selection. This one is in need of a redesign. Portland’s sales tax-free shopping experience is the one thing that saves this place.

Powell's Books

★★★☆Pearl District$

Powell’s Books is headquartered in the Pearl District and is called Powell's City of Books. It’s supposedly the largest independent bookstore in the world, which in itself makes it an attractive tourist’s attraction. It’s always a fun visit and a place where you can easily spend an hour browsing through random books. The sheer number of used books is truly impressive and finding a bargain purchase is inevitable. Like most book stores though, the selection of design books isn’t all that great, which is something everyone can learn from Tsutaya Books.

Ajoto is a small company located in Manchester making simple and essential tools for creatives with an emphasis on craftsmanship. What drew me initially to them was their enthusiasm to share the manufacturing story behind their products. They even have a page on their website dedicated to their suppliers and are willing to share what most companies would consider frivolous information. When they reached out and sent me their collection of products, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that unlike most small brands, they were actually serious about craftsmanship, rather than just the idea of being a company that does. This is a refreshing change.

DISCLAIMERThe products have been sent by Ajoto.

★☆☆☆Avoid. Mediocre.

★★☆☆Good, but nothing exceptional.

★★★☆Great. Worth purchasing.

★★★★Exceptional. A spectacular product.

The Pen /Brass /£150

The first of their products is called The Pen. It’s available in either brass or aluminum which are then plated or anodized in a variety of colors. We'll first talk about the former, which is brass model. One of the most delightful things about The Pen is its packaging. The box is made from a beautiful folded letterpressed paper stock that is torn open. Once torn, the packaging blooms open, revealing a silver foil pattern and an aluminum box. The attention to detail here is really worth praise.

The outer sleeve of the box is made of extruded aluminum and astonishingly has a nicer finish than many products out there. The aluminum extrusion surrounds a sliding cork tray that houses the actual pen. It really is one of the best unboxing experiences I’ve seen recently.

The molded cork tray makes a nice aesthetic touch while being a functional part that cushions the pen during transport. Ajoto says that the tray is made of waste material from wine bottle stopper manufacturing.

The Pen. Ajoto uses CZ109 brass composed of 60% Cu, 40% Zn and is notably lead free. Being brass, it oxidizes over time displaying an elegant patina. Other than being finished in a fine brushed texture, it’s free of ornamentation.

The design of the pen is pure and classic. It’s arguably too pure though - there’s nothing preventing it from rolling off a desk.

Twisting the knob at the end of the pen reveals the rollerball tip. It operates using a screw, which in itself is a wonderful work of machining. A rubber gasket keeps things nice and dampened. It's simple yet effective.

The Pen is made in the UK using a lathe. It’s notable that the pen tapers slightly towards the back, giving it an elegant form and a downward weight bias for improved handling.

Ajoto includes a rollerball cartridge made in Germany. It’s marvelously smooth and has a versatile medium point. Refills are £12 for a pack of three.

Using the pen makes it feel like everything you write is monumental. It has a significant heft and is fairly thick, making it a bit unwieldy at times to write with. It’s not something I’d grab to write a letter or sketch but is perfect for simple tasks like jotting down quick ideas or writing a check. It’s exceptionally attractive, making it something you want to keep at your desk too.

★★★★

The Pen /Aluminum /£125

Ajoto also offers an aluminum version of The Pen. It also comes inside an extruded aluminum box, although it’s anodized in black this time.

Like its brass counterpart, the aluminum The Pen has an uncoated, finely spun finish and tapered design. It’s nice but aluminum requires a bit more work to get to a beautiful state, making this one less successful visually in comparison. In the wrong light, it may even come off as looking cheap. A fine anodized finish could have been more successful.

I was sent a model with the black anodized top, which I would personal avoid. Black anodization always ends up looking a bit too like plastic. The silver top version is probably the way to go.

Being made completely of aluminum, this pen is much lighter than the brass version. This makes for a completely different writing experience. The aluminum pen is far more comfortable for extended use and handles with agility. I would have preferred a nicer finish on the aluminum so I’d personally go with the patina-friendly brass version. Neither are cheap but that extra £25 gets you something that feels far more substantial.

★★★☆

The Pen Pouch /£30

Ajoto offers a companion to The Pen, The Pen Pouch. Like the pen, it comes wrapped in paper packaging with thoughtful letterpressed details.

The leather is vegetable tanned in Italy and then hand made in the UK into the pouches. I think a smoother, more pliable hide would have been ideal, as the leather tends to wrinkle unattractively with the pen inserted.

Other than a bit of branding on the back side, the pouch is unadorned.

I would honestly skip The Pen Pouch. Ajoto also provided a caramel colored pouch and despite photographing well, it’s full of cosmetic faults like poor branding and severe wrinkling with the pen in place (probably because the leather is even thicker than the black model). Patina might make these shine over time but right out of the box, I wasn’t left impressed.

★★☆☆

The Wallet /£69

After being disappointed by The Pen Pouch, I wasn’t expecting much from The Wallet, which is made from the same leather and manufacturer as The Pen Pouch. Like the other Ajoto products, The Wallet comes in beautiful paper packaging.

The Wallet has a bifold design and is remarkably simple in design. It gave a first impression of being boring in design but redeemed itself by being well made and functional.

There are four compartments in total, one of which has an accordion design for bills and receipts. Each of the four compartments are able to take around three cards, which should be just about enough for most people.

The card slots have V cutouts making it easy to grab your cards. There’s a bit of branding here as well.

As far as functionality goes, The Wallet is perfect if you’re like me and carry primarily cards and only a few bills for tipping the valet. A wallet is something that receives a ton of abuse overtime and this seems like something that’ll last many years thanks to its durable stitching and patina friendly surface. If the design was a little more clever and attractive like The Pen, this would have been a home-run.

★★★☆

Everyday, people ask me to review products ornamented by keywords like “craftsmanship” and “premium”. Most of the time, these promises simply don’t live up to the grand descriptions of their creators. I was afraid that Ajoto would be one of these instances but thankfully they were serious about their wording. It’s refreshing to see that there are people that still actually care about craft and don’t use the word because it’s fashionable to do so. We have surrounded ourselves with dishonest products, and that in turn seems to have created a culture of dishonest creators. Ajoto isn’t one of them. Let’s hope we see more people like them in the future.

Last year, I switched over from the Sony RX1 to my beloved Leica T. One of the primary reasons for this was the possibility of using Leica’s extensive catalog of M-mount lenses. As someone that also plans on possibly switching over to an M in the future, the investment on lenses could be argued as somewhat rational. Leica was kind enough and offered to send me a M-Adapter T to try out, and also sent along the Super-Elmar-M 21mm. It was when I tried the Summilux-M 35mm when I really fell in love with this setup though.

DISCLAIMERThe M-Adapter T been sent by Leica Camera.

Leica T + Summicron-T 23mm f/2

The Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH is arguably the most versatile lens available for the Leica M system. It has the classic journalistic focal length of 35mm and a super fast maximum aperture of f/1.4. Due to this fine balance, this Summilux has been one of the most popular lenses for M system. The lens ran for just north of $5000 new and are now approximately $4000 used in flawless condition. These may seem like nonsensical figures but the world’s best glass doesn’t come cheap.

Leica T + Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH

Because Leica is a company so enriched in history, it’s worth providing some historical context for the Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. This lens was introduced in 1994, replacing the identically named model from 1990. My Summilux-M 35mm was sold for 16 years, a testament to its brilliant design, and Leica product's timeless nature. There is a newer version of the lens introduced in 2011 that has the addition of a floating element (FLE) designed to increase performance across various shooting distances. Much like Porsche with the 911, Leica takes an already impressive product and improves it over time. The Summilux 35mm has always been, and most likely always will be, the best super fast 35mm lens

Summilux 35mm timeline

Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 11 8701961 - 1990

Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH 11 8731990 - 1994

Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH 11 874, 11 8831994 - 2010

Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH (FAG)11 6632011 - present

Leica T + Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH

For the sake of trivia: if you’re unfamiliar with Leica’s naming convention, the first thing you may wonder is what “Summilux” means. The company has always named its lenses based on their maximum aperture, and in the case of Summilux, it equates lenses that are f/1.4. Here is a chart of the naming convention:

Leica lens trademarks

f/0.94-1.2 f/1.4 f/2 f/2.5 f/2.8 f/3.5-4

NoctiluxSummiluxSummicronSummaritElmaritElmar

Leica T + Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH

Because Leica names lenses based purely on their aperture and not on optical design, they don’t always correlate to lens quality. In general though, the Summicron lenses are considered to be the best balance of optical quality, speed and price. On the other hand, the Summilux lenses typically go for a premium, offering a larger maximum aperture while sacrificing a little bit of optical clarity in result. The reduction in sharpness and clarity is often trivial though, a reason for the Summilux-M 35mm’s popularity amongst photographers.

Leica T + Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH

Since the Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH is an M lens, it requires the Leica M-Adapter T to work with the Leica T. It comes at typically Leica $395 but is made exceptionally well.

Leica T + Summicron-T 23mm f/2

Shooting with an M lens on T is largely an enjoyable experience although it does have its share of minor flaws. First of all, the right dial on the camera becomes locked to ISO settings. Ideally, I would set one to focus aid zoom and the other to exposure compensation but it’s simply not a possibility. I’m hoping this is something that can be addressed using a firmware update

Leica T + Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH

Leica T + Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH

But the biggest flaw with using M lenses on the T is that white balance accuracy suffers compared to T lenses. Problems arise especially when shooting under artificial lighting and the camera tends to shoot far too warm for some reason. I usually never shoot in RAW but have started to do so due to the occasional unbalanced photo. When I’m indoors, I sometimes even set the white balance to manual and setup a grey card for the sake of consistency. This is admittedly an annoyance but likely something that can be addressed via a software patch

Leica T + Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH

Leica T + Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH

Other than those two quirks. using the Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH with the T is a brilliant experience. The Visoflex for Leica T is also sharp enough for pretty accurate focusing. It’s so sharp that 90% of the time, I don’t even use any focus aids.

Leica T + Summicron-T 23mm f/2

I purchased my Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH used from a seller in Japan. It’s in like-new condition and I wasn’t even able to find any signs of use. Here’s a tip: Japan is a great place to buy used products - they’re often times valued lower there and Japanese consumers take very good care of their belongings.

Like most Leica lenses, the Summilux-M 35mm comes included with a hood. Notice the cut-out for M users (so the hood doesn’t block too much of the viewfinder). The hood is made of plastic but the lens is constructed from brass, giving it a nice heft, embracing the Wetzlar’s typical rendition of quality.

Leica T + Summicron-T 23mm f/2

As usual, the Leica Summilux 35mm offers great ergonomics and feel. The aperture ring clicks with a typical german sense of tactility and the focus ring is made with the same precision as a fine watch. Holding a classic Leica lens makes you realize how we’ve surrounded ourselves with garbage products. It’s no wonder Leica lenses are used for decades.

Leica T + Summicron-T 23mm f/2

To those new to Leica M lenses, yes, these are operated completely manually. This can be a little bit intimidating at first but because the focusing dial is so ergonomically intuitive, it’s easier than it sounds. Like a car with a manual transmission, the interaction is a purely mechanical one, and digital latency is non-existent. I find it to be a refreshing, vital experience.

Leica T + Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH

Leica T + Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH

Shooting at f/1.4 is an awesome experience. Shallow depth of field is of course a big benefit of a large aperture and one of the prime reasons for selecting the Summilux over the Summicron for me. Although a lens is more about what is in focus than not, there are definitely situations where shallow depth of field comes in handy as a visual tool. Other than a little bit of vignetting (which can easily be corrected in post), the images are also technically impressive wide open.

Leica T + Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH

Leica T + Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH

I’m not sure why (or how) this is the case but there seems to be a noticeable difference in the rendition of color between using T and M lenses. The fact that I’ve switched to shooting in RAW is a big influence but regardless of this, I’ve been noticing smoother and calmer color, particularly in environments that test the sensor’s dynamic range capabilities.

Leica T + Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH

Leica T + Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH

The most surprising thing about shooting with the Summilux was how different the images feel compared to my Summicron-T 23mm. People always talk about the “Leica Look” and it's a largely frivolous discussion, especially in the digital age. Regardless of this, I’m starting to feel like the Leica aesthetic surfaces from the rendition of color and shadows via M lenses. The Summicron-T 23mm is a fantastic lens but to make the most out of your Leica T’s sensor, I highly recommend buying an M lens to complement it.

Leica T + Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH

Leica T + Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH

The most practical application of a fast lens is of course, in low-light shooting. f/2 is probably enough for most situations but f/1.4 really lets you push the boundaries of where you can photograph. ISO performance has come a long ways but nothing beats a fast lens.

Leica T + Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH

Leica T + Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH

The Summilux-M 35mm is notorious for its sheer optical clarity and it doesn’t disappoint in practice. Details render razor sharp and light penetrates through the lens as if it's made of diamond; it’s what makes shooting with the lens so entertaining. Especially with a subject like a car, the reflections and waves of light become so crisp and clear that they turn into a fireworks show.

Leica T + Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH

Leica T + Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH

Because the Leica T has a APS-C sized sensor, the Summilux-M 35mm is comparable to a 50mm when cropped. This means that the lens actually ends up being pretty great for portraits. The Summicron-T 23mm is still the best everyday setup though. If you're interested in buying M lenses for the T, I'd highly recommend trying them out at a store to see if the focal distance makes sense for you.

Leica T + Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH

Photography has changed immensely in the past decade. For most people, their phone is the only camera they need and often times the only one they carry. However, the realities of the nature of light is something that won’t ever change. The Leica M mount is something that has been largely unchanged since 1954 and the lenses designed for this platform are still considered as some of the best optics in the world. Shooting with a manual M lens has been a bit of a revelation for me. You become a part of the machine, affecting it mechanically, having direct influence on the light that will eventually hit the sensor. It makes you a more considerate shooter, and helps you understand the magic that happens underneath the brass casing. There is a convenience you get from shooting with the Summicron-T 23mm but if you own a Leica T, I highly recommend investing in an M-Adapter T and a nice M Summicron or Summilux lens. It’s the essence of photography. Intimate, tactile and simple.

I apologize for my slow pacing of posts as of late. I’ve been busy with both work and my private life, giving me limited free time to work on the blog. I have some exciting new posts on the way though, and will start posting new types of content in the new year that I think you guys will love. The past month has been a bit of a transformative and clearly reflective moment in my life and has inspired me to really jump-start some self initiated work.

I just got back from a two week business trip to Seoul and wanted to share some of the more interesting places I had the chance to visit. I would have liked to share more places but I was too busy to document every place I went. Unfortunately, two of the locations will have to suffice with just Instagram photos.

Happy Holidays, and I'll see you in 2015.

★☆☆☆Avoid, a waste of time.

★★☆☆Good, but mediocre.

★★★☆Great. Worth a visit.

★★★★Exceptional. A spiritual experience.

$Affordable

$$Reasonable

$$$Pricey

Sushi Matsumoto Apgujeong-dong★★★★$$$

This is possibly the best sushi I’ve had in not just Seoul, but the world. Run by Mizuho, a Japanese chef, Matsumoto is impeccably run with a helplessly clean, Japanese attitude. Being at this place is a calming, therapeutic experience. The agility and dexterity of the chefs make great visual entertainment and the food can only be described as stunning. Matsumoto is the epitome of adroit Japanese artistry. Pricing is aggressive but not unusual for this quality - omakase starts at approximately $170 and heads north of $200 for longer courses. Something also worth noting is the kindness of the staff here. After seeing me take photos, the waitress laid a cloth on my table telling me it was to rest my camera on. I just can’t help but love this place. I miss it already.

Sushi U Daechi-dong★★★★$$$

Sushi U is a restaurant that I make sure I visit whenever I’m in Seoul. The quality of ingredients are always great and the experience consistent. The restaurant was once run by the sushi master Matsudo Toshio but is currently headed by Korean chef Noh Seung Gu. The quality has remained constant though, and Noh continues to experiment with new flavors and techniques just as Matsudo has. Make sure you sit at the bar and talk with the chef - he’ll try new things right in front of you and ask for your opinion. What I love about this restaurant is that it feels like a creative studio always willing to trying new things and stepping out of its comfort zone. I’ve certainly been to better places that fit into the classical definition of “sushi” but there’s something appealing about coming here as a designer that appreciates creativity. By the way, I don’t know how serious he was but Noh said that he’ll treat Minimally Minimal readers with extra care if they visit.

Park Hyatt SeoulDaechi 2-dong★★★★$$$

As far as hotels go, this is pretty much as good as it gets. I hate the traditional, baroque aesthetics of most hotels but Park Hyatt has a modern, sophisticated ambiance that is truly refreshing. Helpful staff, comfortable rooms, a fantastic gym/sauna, delicious breakfast and convenient transit options makes this the best hotel in Seoul. The rooms are also stocked with Aesop products which is makes the stay even more enjoyable. The hotel overlooks Samseong Station, which provides an awesome view of the World Trade Center and its neighboring skyscrapers too. The only thing I can complain about is that the staff tries to be almost too helpful and makes you feel a bit uncomfortable. I really don’t need to be asked if I need anything everyday or have my elevator opened for me.

누하의숲 Hyoja-dong★★☆☆$

A tiny and immensely tranquil Japanese comfort food restaurant, 누하의숲, or Nuha No Mori, feels like a precious existence in the harsh realities of Seoul. The restaurant revs their menu constantly and only offers two options at a time. I love this place conceptually and want to give it a high rating but I didn’t really enjoy what I was served at my visit. I’ve heard great things about this place so I’m going to give them the benefit of doubt and say that I picked the wrong dish.

제주항Sinsa-dong★★★★$$

If I had to pick my top 10 favorite restaurants in the world, this would be in the list. 제주항 specializes in seafood with an emphasis on ingredients and dishes from Jeju Island (an island located just southwest of Korea). The abalone porridge and grilled/stewed mackerel are my personal favorites but I’ve honestly never had anything bad here. Most people think of Korean barbecue as the quintessential Korean cuisine but as someone that doesn’t really like meat, this embodies what I love most about the peninsula’s gastronomy.

Cha Cha Apgujeong-dong★★☆☆$$

I like this place. Cha Cha is a casual, unpretentious wine bar with a decent selection. Unfortunately, the pricing seems a bit unreasonably high for an American and their cheese platter isn’t up to snuff. As a dog lover, I can’t help but say that my favorite thing about Cha Cha is the chef’s adorable dog, Tofu, who always hangs out by the register.

개화옥 Sinsa-dong★★★☆$$

개화옥 does classic Korean dishes in a simple, clean fashion. They do a great job with meat entrees and also have a fantastc aged steak. Flavors are on the mild side but still pleasant, which is particularly apparent in their interpretation of doenjang jjigae. Overuse of seasoning and msg can get a bit tiring so this sets a nice tempo for your stay in the city. Something I also like about this place is their selection of silverware and diningware. Most Korean restaurants use generic, often times plastic ones but 개화옥 take a little bit more care.

Upper West Sinsa-dong★★★☆$$

Upper West is clearly a simulation of a bar in NYC and has a largely nostalgic atmosphere. They are a cocktail focused bar located right by Garosugil, making it convenient to access. The drinks are generally on the sweeter side so if you’re a serious drinker, this may not be the place to go although I find it a great starting point for the night.

Deux Crème Sinsa-dong★☆☆☆$$

This place is apparently insanely popular in Seoul right now. When I went, I had to get takeout as open seats weren’t even available. Overall, I wasn’t all that impressed and couldn’t fully understand the hype. The tarts were fine but nothing to write home about and don’t even operate on the same level as Lady M.

Bastille Sinsa-dong★★☆☆$

Bastille specializes in soft-serve ice-cream topped with some unique toppings, which is then served on a bed of dry ice. I have a soft spot for visuals so I would actually go to this place again, just to marvel at their presentation. But overall, Bastille reminds me of Momofuku Milk Bar, not only because they sell cereal milk but because they exemplify acceptable mediocrity wrapped in an appeal package.

Gelati Gelati Seogyo-dong★★★☆$

Despite it being -5 °C, I thoroughly enjoyed my two scoops from Gelati Gelati outside in the brutal Seoul winter. There’s definitely better gelato in the world but this place is worth notice for their rice gelato. I thought it sounded like a terrible idea but in practice, it’s delicious. Think gelato equivalent of mochi. If it were summer, I would have enjoyed it only more.

One of my all-time favorite bars. Why Not? is serious about their drinks and don’t even have a menu, expecting their customers to have a basic knowledge about what they like. That’s not to say that they’re pretentious though; their bartending staff are knowledgeable, courteous and are willing to make thoughtful recommendations. My favorite drink is an old fashioned and Why Not? clearly has the best one in Seoul.

If you’re a longtime reader, you’ve probably heard of Nocs already. They were one of the first supporters of this site and have sent their earphones in the past for review. They turned out to be truly well made and I’ve had many readers email me about how happy they were with their purchases. Like Minimally Minimal, Nocs has now grown over the years and recently launched their second iteration of their speaker system called the NS2 Air Monitors V2. This is what I think:

DISCLAIMERThe NS2 Air Monitors V2 have been sent by Nocs.

Nocs is a company conceived out of Sweden and in typical Swedish fashion, the design of the speakers are understated and democratic. I would fault them for maybe being too "super normal" and lacking a bit of ambition but I’ll take that over the ornate, over promising stuff this market always presents.

Many people compare the these to Audioengine’s products but I see them as very different products. I would personally never own an Audioengine speaker because of their heavy handed sensibility and lazy execution. I don’t like the strange surfacing on the front and the awkward intersection of the corners. While Nocs follows a similar layout, the execution is far superior with a rationality to the layout and form. Little things like the radii on a product are clear giveaways to understanding the amount of care a product has received and the Nocs does these little things better than most. This is ordinary done properly.

The NS2 V2 come in seven colors, ranging from white to orange. It’s an impressively large lineup and makes me wonder how they’re able to manage so many SKUs. Nocs knows me too well and sent me my favorite of the bunch - the grey model.

The speakers have a soft, matte texture achieved through the use of soft-touch paint. I’m usually against soft-touch as it wears easily but these are meant to be stationary so my objection doesn't apply here.

I’m probably not alone in saying that I’ve come to dislike bluetooth because of its poor audio quality and spotty connectivity. The NS2 V2 support bluetooth but also have AirPlay, Apple’s wi-fi based streaming protocol. It has the benefit of being compression free and is also (theoretically) more stable than a bluetooth connection. At $400, the NS2 V2 are average in terms of price compared to other AirPlay speakers.

I’ve tried two AirPlay speakers in the past, the Sony SA-NS500 and the Harman Kardon Aura. Both of those had unbelievably unreliable AirPlay implementations that would lose connection constantly. I’m happy to report that the NS2 V2 has the best implementation of AirPlay I’ve experienced thus far and has worked flawlessly for the past two weeks. The speakers connect instantly with all of my iOS and OS X devices and continue to stream music for hours with no hiccups. It’s weird that I have to say this but the NS2 V2 just works, and that sets it apart from a bunch of its competitors.

The out of box experience of AirPlay is still a bit of a convoluted process but Nocs provides an app that makes it a relatively simple process. Thankfully it’s something you only have to do once and it worked for me the first time. The speakers also support Spotify Connect, allowing the speakers to stream directly from Spotify. I don’t use the service so I haven’t tried it out myself.

The (rather messy) back of the right channel speaker is home to all of the buttons and ports. A standard AUX jack is available for versatility.

In terms of cabling, you’ll have to live with two; an AC cable and a speaker cable connecting to the left unit. Nocs includes two speaker cables of different lengths, which is convenient.

The AC adapter is unsurprisingly ugly and something just off the shelf. It’s an area where even larger companies like Bowers & Wilkins sadly don't put any investment into though.

Sound is what Nocs has ways done well and the NS2 V2 are no exception. Both speakers have a 3” kevlar woofer along with a 3/4” silk tweeter producing 80W at peak power. They’re balanced to be punchy rather than flat, making them well suited to modern, more electronic driven music. That’s not to say that they’re overly bass heavy or lack treble detail though. Nocs continues to find a nice balance of detail and dynamism, providing a sound profile that's clear but not overly technical for everyday use. It's on the warm side, making them ideal for comfortable listening rather than critical - a characteristic that most people probably want out of their speakers.

My workhorse stereo speakers are the Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 and compared to them, the NS2 V2 do seem to trail behind in terms of audio quality. It’s only when you listen to them side by side that you see the short comings but it does make you realize what an engineering feat the MM-1s really are. Both the clarity and subtly of treble and the snappiness of bass are things that MM-1 simply does better.

However, it is worth considering that the Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 are a $100 more and don’t have any wireless capabilities. It’s hard to call a simple winner here and your choice will really depend on whether connectivity or audio quality matters more to you.

The MM-1 and NS2 V2 also have further distinctions. The MM-1 have a very limited sweet spot, making ideal for use with a computer at a desk. The NS2 V2 have a longer throw and sound best with a little bit of distance. If you want a wireless speaker system to put on a bookshelf for an apartment or studio space, the NS2 V2 are probably the way to go.

Overall, Nocs has done a really good job with the NS2 V2. At $400, they undercut offerings from the usual suspect like Bowers & Wilkins and B&O and offer well rounded acoustics and bullet-proof AirPlay connectivity. In many ways, they are characteristically very similar to their Swedish relative, Volvo. It’s a product that undercuts their British and German rivals in price, offers solid performance, all wrapped in unpretentious, honest design. If you're the type of person that can appreciate the soft, composed voice of Volvo, you already understand the appeal of Nocs. Beats are for children, it's time for this industry to grow up.

They’ve done it again. Côte&Ciel is easily one of my favorite brands right now and they seem to have an endless source of interesting ideas. This is their interpretation of a dopp kit and features a detachable, TSA friendly clear pouch and a strap to hang it by the shower. In keeping with their architectural design language, the unique form of the Lagoon Spa Pouch is achieved through stitches in strategic locations of the neoprene. It’s beautifully made and everything from the material choice to the plump shape makes it something you want to fondle. This is personally my favorite object on this post and will make you want to go traveling as an excuse to use it.

The Wallet XS isn’t a bad product but is simply to big for something with an “XS” nomenclature. I’m sure Côte&Ciel intended this to be carried in a purse but there’s no functional benefit for a wallet to be 15% bigger than it should be. I’ve refused to admit its uncomfortable presence in my pocket and still use it everyday due to its gorgeous materials.

As any proper car lover will tell you, treating car paint and leather should be done with the same care and attention as skin. Proper cleaning, nourishment and protection is essential and nobody makes better products than AMMO. DRIVE teamed up Larry Kosilla from AMMO and did a series of videos on automotive detailing called DRIVE CLEAN. I’ve learned a ton by watching the videos and built even more trust towards the AMMO's products. Yes, they’re a bit pricey but your car deserves the best.

Michelin came out with the Pilot Sport A/S 3 tires about a year ago and has redefined what a high performance all-season tire is capable of. During dry conditions, the tire is as responsive as the best high performance summer tires but also has remarkably good traction in wet conditions. This is thanks to a clever variable sipe design that expands and contracts to increase grip. Using sunflower oil, Michelin has also been able to lower the temperature in which the tires remain pliable, giving the tires class leading braking and cornering performance in winter conditions. This is the second time I’ve purchased the A/S 3s and I’m absolutely in love with them. I’ve even driven with them in heavy snowfall last year on a Mercedes SLK without any issues. I thought a product with no compromises was an impossibility but Michelin has somehow achieved it.

Nike is all about developing a portfolio of innovative technologies and then applying them to a large range of their products. The Air Berwuda is a particularly good example as it uses techniques developed from the Roche line and also uses Hyperfuse technology. These are the most attractive shoes I’ve seen in a long time from the company and also provide plenty of comfort for everyday use. It’s Nike at its best.

The Nike Air Max is like the Porsche 911 of the shoe world. They have a long history, countless variants and a diehard fan base. The Air Max Lunar 90 maintains the classic Air Max shape but updates it with the latest Nike technology like Lunarlon and Hyperfuse. They even make terrific winter shoes as they’re made from water-resistant nylon panels that are fused together. A classic shape, comfortable wear and utilitarian materials makes this one a really good buy.

Aecraft is off to a good start but have some work to do before they can compete with the big dogs. The products are made from nice materials and are put together better than many of their competing startups. Despite some clever touches like the magnetic clasp on the MacBook sleeve, the designs feel dated and frankly mundane. Good, but nothing exceptional.

Based on the iconic vacuum jug designed by Erik Magnussen, this water jug has the same iconic form and supports filter units from Brita, Mavea and Bosch. I’ve been looking for an attractive water jug that supports Mavea filters for a while now and this is as good as it gets. It has a nice, clean pour and the lid doesn’t fall off when pouring with water still in the upper cavity.

The Sony SA-NS500 is a bluetooth/AirPlay speaker with a built-in battery for portability. It’s currently discontinued so good deals can be found though I’m not convinced that it’ll be worth the effort. In theory, the SA-NS500 is the perfect casual speaker. It offers plenty of wireless connectivity, has a decent battery life and is acoustically optimized to project sound in 360 degrees. Unfortunately, the AirPlay connection is very unstable and the sound is far to bass heavy.

The ideal notebook shouldn’t be fussy, should open flat and also be affordable. The notebooks from MUJI achieve all of these things. Made from recycled paper, the sheets are smooth and have a nice, warm color to them. Loses a star for being unremarkable in every way but I suppose that’s what notebooks should be. This is what I use daily for sketching and note taking.

What’s there to say about the iPhone 6? Reviewing a new iPhone is like reviewing a new BMW 3 series. They’ve always been great and most likely always will be. It’s immensely thin, beautifully rounded and now features a larger, more usable screen. If you love using an iPhone, you’ll really love using the iPhone 6. It’s a beautiful phone made beautifully.

As always, Apple has released a series of cases for the iPhone 6. This time, they come in both leather and silicone. Having tried both in multiple colors (my coworkers and I have a pool of cases we swap from), I’ve concluded that the silicone case is the way to go. They don’t have issues with dye transfer and are finished nicely in a super matte texture. The design is surprisingly ugly and level of craftsmanship is lower than previous cases though. The finishing of flash on the silicone particularly roughly done.

Run by some of my coworkers, 11+ has been slowly rolling out some beautiful work. The World Clock is their latest creation and features a clever rolling design that allows you to read different time zones. This is how you do simple, cheap, and low volume well. Hardware startups, take note.

I’ve been very selective about what products I end up showcasing on the blog. If I suspect that I won’t like a product, I don’t bother reviewing it and harming its reputation. When aëdle emailed me a few weeks ago, I was immediately intrigued. The VK-1 looked attractive in photos and I remembered reading a few positive reviews of them in the past. It’s unfortunate that I have to say this but for the sake of public service I’ll be completely honest: VK-1 is a complete disappointment. Honestly, this is one of the worst products I’ve ever been sent. Here's why:

DISCLAIMERThe VK-1 has been sent by aëdle.

First impressions aren't bad - the packaging is relatively nice with nice, sharp edges. The graphics are a bit heavy handed and overly trendy but the clean presentation is a promising start.

We must start with the price because it’s what I find the most shocking. Not knowing how much the VK-1 cost, I tried to give it a guess after a couple of days of use. $150? $200? Maybe $250 but that'll be pushing it. So how much do they actually cost? $495 (390 EUR)! This is unbelievable to me, and even more so once I began diving deeper into the details.

Starting with craftsmanship - the favorite topic here at Minimally Minimal. It's staggering at how many reviewers thought this product represented good craftsmanship. I guess it’s not helping that I’m a designer professionally but I find the level of craftsmanship unacceptable here. The aluminum components are rough with poor finishes and in general feel light, cheap and brittle.

The VK-1s are one of the most photogenic products I’ve ever seen but in person, they’re just a mess. The aluminum really does look like it’s been finished by an amateur and is about as attractive as a can of coke. There are machining marks, poor edge treatment and some of the parts have large gouges and scratches straight out of the box. This kind of attention to detail is acceptable with aluminum cans or internal components but have no place on a $500 pair of headphones. This is not beautiful by any standard.

Aluminum spin finishes are tough to do with sophistication. You can always tell poor spin finishes because they have a rainbowing effect, which is present on the VK-1. aëdle has also used a crude texture that’s more like what you’d find on the bottom of a frying pan rather than a B&O speaker. Not cool.

The craftsmanship of leather is also horrendous. There are awkward creases and the stitching meanders about through the headband. It’s particularly unfortunate because the lambskin leather aëdle has picked is soft and has a nice color to it.

To add insult to injury, these are one of the worst headphones I’ve ever seen in terms of ergonomics. After posting a photo to instagram, owners of these headphones have been emailing me about how they regret buying them due to their uncomfortable fit. On-ear headphones are particularly tricky to make comfortable and need the cups to both swivel and rotate in order to distribute pressure more evenly. The VK-1 doesn’t really do either.

The ear pads do slide for height adjustment but aren’t dampened and make a metallic scratching noise when you slide them. The pads themselves feel nice on the ear though, once again, thanks to the lambskin leather.

To address the issue of poor ergonomics, aëdle includes a little guide explaining how to bend the headband outwards for more width. It helps significantly but is a fussy solution.

The VK-1 includes a useful carrying case but the branded tag is poorly stitched with the stitching going straight over the graphics. Seriously, what the hell is happening at the aëdle factory? Is everyone drunk?

Three cables are included in the box, two without remotes and one with. The cables themselves are nice and feel durable. The plugs are once again aluminum and have a cheap looking finish.

Asides from being about as substantial as an aluminum can and having scratches out of the box, it’s nice that aëdle includes a cable with an inline remote and microphone. I didn’t get to enjoy this though because it arrived broken with a non-functioning remote and no sound on the left channel. Somehow I’m not surprised.

Let’s talk about sound. Both my B&O H6 and Bowers & Wilkins P7 aren’t exactly what I’d call super attractive but are my go-to headphones for sounding so good. So do the aëdle make up with sound? aëdle seemed to be very proud of the VK-1’s sound quality so this was one last promising aspect of the product.

After a ton of listening, I’ve concluded that the VK-1 also sound pretty poor. The bass is slow, thick and exhausting to listen to. I believe that bass should be tight and punchy - providing strength but not feeling sloppy. aëdle doesn’t provide that though. It’s overemphasized, muddy and polluting. The treble also has a lot of issues and simply falls off, failing to achieve any sense of clarity. When you listen to these in a vacuum, you may come away thinking that they aren't bad. But once you begin comparing with something like the B&O H6, you can truly understand how little clarity and precision the aëdle has.

The soundstage also feels congested, although that’s not surprising when considering the VK-1’s tightly closed design. Overall, I’m throughly unimpressed by its sound quality. No headphones are “perfect” but products at this price range should have a redeeming characteristic. The B&O H6 excels at clarity and the Bowers & Wilkins at punchy, tight sound. I really tried to understand the VK-1 but it honestly doesn’t seem to have any notable acoustic trait.

I have a huge appreciation for people that start their own business. It’s tough work and is the result of blood, sweat and tears. But when it comes to spending your hard earned money, I honestly believe that we shouldn’t be apologetic about buying the best. This is going to sound terrible, but that’s why I rarely buy anything from a hardware startup. Making products is really really hard, and those that are able to compete with goliath manufacturers aren’t easy to find. Maybe design doesn’t matter. Maybe craftsmanship doesn’t either. It’s a terrifying thought but the evidence points to the fact that most people don’t notice that the aëdle VK-1 are terribly built. I’d rather not accept this though and truly believe that people that make products must put in the care and effort regardless of whether people care or not. The aëdle is a product that likes the idea of representing good design and craftsmanship. But in reality, simply doesn't deliver. Like a person that likes the idea of appreciating music but pirates everything, it's hard for us to respect them.

If you’re looking into buying a pair of premium headphones, B&O and particularly Bowers & Wilkins are doing some great work. They have far superior audio quality and will save you $100. Best of all, they’re built better than something you’d find on etsy. Making a niche, expensive product is perfectly fine with me but selling something that’s poorly made, poorly performing and also extremely expensive is simply unacceptable.

Over the years, I’ve realized what products people want to see most on MM through the quantity of emails asking for reviews. It’s iPhones, cameras and lastly cars. It’s kind of odd that cars are in there but suppose there’s a universal interest in them that cannot be denied. I find them hard to review though - it’s probably the most expensive and complicated product we buy and doesn’t serve a simple purpose, making it hard to judge objectively. But at the same time, as a designer with a firm belief in honest, simple products, cars are a bit of a guilty pleasure. They’re emotive, inefficient and quite honestly, increasingly nonsensical in existence. But who cares, you’re here for the photos anyways. Here you go.

Quattro is what makes an Audi an Audi. Introduced by the company over 30 years ago, it’s the first permanent all-wheel drive system designed for passenger vehicles. In 1986, Audi created the now legendary ski jump commercial that showed off the technology in an exaggerated fashion. The ad was then recreated in 2005 to introduce the previous generation A6. It’s one of my first memories of admiring the brand and left a long lasting impression. Vorsprung durch Technik.

The executive sports saloon is possibly the most important segment for the big 3 Germans. These cars are in the Goldilocks zone - not too small, but not too big and priced right in the middle of their price range. You probably can’t buy a bad car here; the Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Audi A6 are all great machines. I have a soft spot for fast AMG wagons but when it comes to more sensible choices, there’s something about the A6 that really connects with me. It’s the quiet and subtle car out of the bunch that doesn’t mind going unnoticed. It wins comparison tests all the time though, making Audi’s design language even more humble. It’s the Goldilocks zone in a segment that is in itself a Goldilocks zone. It isn’t pompous like the Mercedes but also not outrageously priced like the BMW.

Introduced in 2012, this is the 4th generation Audi A6. The wheelbase has been extended by 3” and its width by .7”. The car has been shortened by .5” though, making the overhangs shorter than before. The car starts at $44,800 but you’ll want to get something more powerful than the 2.0T so adding $20,000 in options is relatively easy.

The biggest change from prior Audi A6 generations is the extensive use of aluminum. Major components like the bonnet, fender, doors and boot lid are made of the material, as well as internal components like suspension strut domes, cross-members and axel components. This has reduced the cars weight by 130 pounds, which also makes it lighter than its peers.

Let’s start with paint. From what I’ve seen, Audi offers the nicest paint choices in the market. Nardo Gray and Suzuka Gray are probably my favorite though sadly reserved for RS models. This is Glacier White metallic, a slightly blue-grey white with a touch of metallic flaking. Most people will just see it as white but the discerning eye can appreciate its beautiful shade. Parking it next to a white car really shows its unique color as it has a tendency to make other white paints look like cream in comparison.

There are bunch of automotive brands that I respect from a philosophical point of view (Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Land Rover, Bentley, etc) but when it comes to purely aesthetics and design, only Porsche and Audi really resonate with me. Audi particularly impresses with their understated approach to design. The A6’s design is a refinement of the classic saloon shape and isn’t trying to be new for the sake of being new.

I’m not going to say that the A6 doesn’t have an aggressive face but the car is largely constructed of gentle, subtle lines that are unique to this company. The current Audi A6 is designed by Jurgen Loffler but retains much of the minimalistic aesthetics of the previous generation designed by Satoshi Wada. I wish that the company would take their cars further into the pure geometry pioneered by the TT but realize that they’re competing with products that are becoming increasingly about flamboyancy.

Audi works with very few design elements so the shoulder line is one of their most important assets. A sharp character line defines the A6’s side profile and accentuates it’s length and stance.

The company has also started creating a sharper language for the rear of the car. The A6 has an exaggerated overhang for the top of the trunk, helping split up the rear surface. One of my favorite details is how the part line between the rear fender and trunk doesn’t look like an after thought. Most companies draw an arbitrary here.

Readers with sharp eyes would have noticed the satin silver mirrors on this car. They’re normally reserved for the S models but it’s one of my favorite Audi details so I added them anyways. Something also worth noting is Audi’s sensibility in finishes. Like the mirror, the chrome think around the windows have a satin finish that looks far more sophisticated than the standard chrome you find in most cars.

Because the Germans like to confuse everyone with their options, the S line exterior appearance comes with the Prestige trim, rather than having an S line package here in the US. In my opinion, this appearance is a necessity to make the car look attractive. It annoys me that car manufacturers purposefully make lower optioned cars look worse for the sake of hierarchy.

The A6 like all members of its family has the signature Audi grille. I really like this implementation as it doesn’t use any chrome garnish and instead relies on light to create highlights

Another option that I find a must-have are the full LED headlights. They really define the car’s face and makes you wonder why it’s not standard equipment. Being LEDs, they offer a clean, white projection with great visibility. They’re also adaptive, meaning that they move with the steering wheel to light where you’re going, not where you are. Component finishes are refined too, with titanium-like vapor metalized surfaces rather than chrome.

Audi has pioneered LED technology and the tail lights really show how good they are. They have signature running lights that are remarkably evenly lit. These are the types of details that signify the level of attention the company puts into their products.

My A6 came equipped with the pretty pedestrian 18” wheels. They’re great for Seattle’s coarse roads but look really really small on the car. I’ll have to eventually invest in some 20” wheels to give the car some better proportioned shoes.

As far as petrol choices go, the 3.0 TFSI is clearly the best choice for the A6. Mounted longitudinally, the V6 produces 310 horsepower and 325 ft-lbs of torque. The motor is supercharged (I know, it’s weird that Audi calls it TFSI) with the blower making the torque number typically high. 0-60 happens in just 5.3 seconds which is pretty damn brisk. In fact, it’s quicker than both the Mercedes E350 and the BMW 535i.

The 3.0 TFSI is shared with the A7 and is work of art. It’s immensely smooth, puts out power effortlessly and has no noticeable boost lag. In practice, it actually feels very much like a naturally aspirated V8. Smooth, powerful throughout the entire rev range and effortlessly quick. As you can tell by the location of the suspension struts, most of the power plant sits in from of the front wheels. Not ideal but a typical Audi trait.

19/28 MPG are the official fuel economy numbers for the 3.0T. It’s pretty hard to hit the city number though I admit that I’m a fairly aggressive driver. While we’re looking at this photo, I’ve got to mention that this is one attractively finished engine. Everything metallic has a nice bead blasted finish and there are also a few red accents added for visual interest. Also, look at how the warning graphics are etched attractively.

Quattro is what defines the A6’s driving characteristic. The power bias is 60% rear and 40% front. Of course, power is distributed differently as traction requirements change (ie: 80% to the rear when accelerating hard). The car puts down power effortlessly and I’ve never driven a car that feels more stable on wet roads. I do miss sliding the tail through corners from time to time but that’s not what the A6 is made for.

All American 3.0Ts come equipped with an eight-speed triptronic transmission. Many people yearn for the DCT available in other regions but I've come to appreciate the smoothness of the eight-speed. In normal everyday driving, shifts are almost imperceptible and the car accelerates in a smooth languid motion that is almost electric.

Audi Drive Select allows you to customize a range of parameters to adjust for your style of driving. I like to keep everything in auto but change the steering to dynamic; the comfort steering is way to light.

Sporting drivers will be disappointed by the near silent exhaust note. It’s great for comfort driving but I personally like hearing a bit of growl. You are reminded of the engine by a light roar when pushing hard but it silences itself quickly. It feels like a tease more than anything.

Thanks to the extensive use of aluminum, the Audi A6 is about 200 pounds lighter than the BMW 5 Series. This makes the A6 feel deceptively smaller when driving, helping it feel eager and light on its feet. The only thing preventing it from being the perfect sports sedan is steering feel. Coming from Mercedes’ fantastic steering, Audi’s electric system definitely feels a bit jarring and uninvolved. The brakes are decent though and stop the car effectively. I personally prefer a bit more immediate bite in the brake's travel but that’s probably another thing I’ll just have to get used to coming from a roadster. Overall, it’s better suited to everyday city driving and leaves a bit to be desired for canyon carving.

Regardless of a few shortcomings, driving the A6 is still a very pleasant experience. Where BMWs feel like a sports car that’s comfortable, the A6 feels like a comfortable car that’s sporty. It’s a balance that’s uniquely Audi and is what I liked the most after test driving competitors from Mercedes, BMW and Jaguar.

The new A6 also features some aerodynamic improvements and drops its drag coefficient to just 0.26 Cd. This makes wind noise non-existent and helps improve fuel economy. Something I’ve also noticed is how Audi has designed a track at the edges of the front window to direct rain water up to the roof of the car rather than the side windows. Clever.

The cabin in the A6 is clearly one of the highlights of the car. Overall, it’s an airy, soothing place to be. Consistency is the key to successful design, and Audi has done that exceptionally here by making everything look and feel like they were designed in unison. They also do fit and finish exceptionally well and the A6 is no exception. There is not a creak in the cabin and hard brittle plastic is nowhere to be found, even in areas like the lower door panels. This space is what really sold me on the car and it’s no wonder why so many people rave about Audi interiors.

The doors of the car wrap into the dashboard, making them feel like a thoughtful part of the cabin. I love how the aluminum inlay runs all the way around one side of the car to the other.

I find black interiors a bit drab so like to have the leather surfaces in a lighter color, but also dislike going all the way to beige. Audi offers this beautiful Nougat Brown leather that strikes the perfect balance for me. It has a bit more orange than typical brown interiors but isn’t saturated or bright as saddle leather. My SLK had the optional Nappa leather package which I loved but also found to be too soft and easily scuffed. The A6 comes with a thicker, coarser hide which should be easier to maintain.

Audi seems to have great paint and leather choices so it’s no wonder their wood looks great too. This is what Audi calls “Fine Grain Ash” and it both looks and feels fantastic. Judging by the edges of the inlays, the wood seems to be relatively thick at a couple of millimeters, rather than a paper-thin veneer.

Small details are what end up defining a greater experience. This makes seemingly trivial elements like seat memory buttons and climate control dials immensely important. Every interaction point is spot-on in the A6, with a premium, tactile feel. It’s also interesting that every button, dial and switch make a similar, seemingly curated mechanical “click” during operation. It’s an awesome moment when you realize this, as it’s further evidence to the care that has gone into this space.

There’s also an available sunroof although a panorama one would have been nice to have. This car has the optional black headliner, which is a must, unless if you’re going for a grey interior.

I have no complaints about the four-spoke steering wheel although paddle shifters would have been nice to have. It’s heated though, which turns out to be an amazing thing to have when getting in the car on a chilly night. The multi-function buttons are also nice to have since the button layout in the car can be hard to navigate by feel.

What Audi does better than everyone in the industry is the instrument cluster. Their gauges are always, simple, clean but also have a little bit of depth. I particularly enjoy how the numbers slightly float off of the face of the gauge and begin to curve slightly around the edges. This type of subtle dimensionality gives the car more sophistication than the acre of chrome other manufactures may garnish with.

At the center of the instrument cluster is a very handy multi-function display. It’s very high resolution and is often time the only display you need to interact with when driving.

The seats are very comfortable but on the firm side when comparing with Mercedes products. They’re also nicely designed with an attractive shape and stitching that looks purposeful. Coming from a roadster, the side bolstering doesn’t feel adequate but people who drive more aggressively will probably opt for the S6 with the sport seats. Otherwise though, they’re great seats that I’ve been able to find the perfect driving position with.

One of the things that I’ve found assisted greatly with finding the comfortable seating position are these headrests. Pushing the button allows height but also depth adjustment.

The seats are heated and ventilated, hence the presence of the perforation in the leather. The ventilation gradually whisks away heat, perfect for long drives. The perforation is functional but also adds a nice visual texture without too much noise.

Rear seating is also very comfortable with generous leg and headroom. This car features four zone climate control so both rear seat passengers can have their own AC settings.

When you start the A6, a hidden LCD panel gracefully pops out of the dashboard. Audis’ multimedia/navigation system is called MMI. It’s considered by many to be one of the best in the industry and can confirm that it does offer some nice functionality. Being one of the best in the industry isn’t saying much though, and the MMI still feels painfully slow and confusing compared to modern mobile devices. What makes the system pretty unique is the onboard 3G modem that brings in Google mapping data and POIs. It requires a monthly cellular plan though, and isn’t something I’d ever pay $30 a month for.

The physical controls in the A6 feel fantastic but have some usability issues. First of all, the knob for navigation operates in reverse - a clockwise turn scrolls up rather than down. It’s an interaction decision that simply makes no sense but isn’t something that company seems to have interest in changing. The other issue I have is that the buttons surrounding the dial are hard to hit by feel and require you to look away from the road. Maybe I’ll build muscle memory over time.

Address input is one of the most important things to get right in a car and Audi does a great job. When inputting via voice, you can say the whole address in a string. It’s a bit slow but hard to complain about when the system in Mercedes’ don’t work at all. Addresses can also be input via handwriting recognition on a touchpad. It’s very intuitive, and much faster than scrolling through the alphabet with a knob. I’m also amazed at well the car recognizes even sloppy writing.

The car provides device connectivity through an iPod connector and Bluetooth. I’ve started to depend exclusively on Bluetooth so that the car will just continue to play what I had been listening to previously. With the addition of “Hey Siri” handsfree mode on the iPhone, it has also become easier to change tracks or call someone.

The park assist system features both proximity sensors and a rearview camera. The car draws predictive lines to illustrate where you’re steering to. It even has a parallel parking mode that’s super useful when in the city.

Audi offers two sound system upgrades - a Bose system and a ridiculous $5900 Bang & Olufsen one. This car is equipped with the 14 speaker, 630 watt Bose system. I usually find Bose products to be pretty hit or miss and this one isn’t bad. You’re probably never going to do critical listening in a car but If I were to nitpick, it could use both increased clarity in the highs and a tighter bass.

It goes without saying but interior lighting in the A6 is tasteful in the typical Audi way. Thin strips of white LEDs provide a soft glow at night without looking tacky. Small touches like the lit door sills are a nice too.

As this review comes to a close, I cannot understate how good of a job Audi is doing these days. The A6 comes off as subtle and rewards you with surprises as you dig deeper into its nuances. From the metalized finish of the headlights to the satin finish of aluminum in the interior, these are things often seen as trivial by most car manufactures and done without thought. It’s so great to see a car manufacturer standing by pure and timeless design principles in a market so polluted by extravagancy. It makes sense that Leica consulted Audi for the T system’s design.

The more I learn about design, the more I’ve come to appreciate the power of consistency and harmony. I have huge respect towards Audi for achieving those things. They promise to be a simple, subtle and design focused brand and it’s present in every facet of their presence from their website all the way to the bead blasted finish of the engine. I’ve always been a huge car fan and an even bigger sports car fan. There’s something about the connection of man, machine and road that is simply joyous. But what the Audi A6 has proven to me is that the joys of great design and craftsmanship can provide just as much, if not more joy. Everyday, I’m excited to get in my car and drive. You’d think that an executive saloon couldn’t be as exciting as a convertible sports car but the smile on my face is even bigger. This is the art of progress.

I’ve now spent about two months with the Leica T. It’s been one of the most controversial products I’ve ever reviewed with no shortage of Leica hate mails in my inbox. There were plenty of people promising that I’ll eventually come to hate the camera but the opposite has been true. Haters gonna hate but the T lives on.

The design of the Leica T is probably its strongest attribute and I’m still astonished by the level of craftsmanship present here. It’s one of those products you can’t help but fondle while working at your desk. It’s beauty seems to be universal too, which I realized when every barista greeted me with, “That’s a beautiful camera.” One of my reasons for not using a DSLR is to avoid attention when shooting in public. Unfortunately, it seems that the T isn’t quite as invisible as I had hoped and use of the leather case is a must for incognito shooting.

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

When the T launched this summer, Leica promised its users frequent firmware updates to address the issues that they ran into. The company seems to be serious about their promise and released a second firmware update for the camera last month. Firmware 1.2 adds a few features, bug fixes and most importantly, an improvement in responsiveness.

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

There are two changes with firmware 1.2 that I immediately noticed. First is responsiveness. It seems to power on faster with the drastic improvement in switching over to the Visoflex viewfinder. The T still isn’t the fastest camera on the street but it’s become much more acceptable.

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

The other change is with autofocus. The T would miss a focus here and there and be particularly miserable in low light. With the latest firmware, both the focus speed and accuracy have been improved. It’s solid in bright locations and pretty good in low light too. I would now put it on par with the Sony RX1.

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

In terms of hardware, I don’t have much to complain about but I did notice that the T’s display isn’t treated with an oleophobic coating. It’s not a big deal but does make the screen get smudgy really quickly, which can get annoying when shooting in bright sunlight.

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

It's why I ended up buying a Visoflex viewfinder after going on a trip to Los Angeles. I’ve always shot using exclusively a viewfinder and find the Leica considerably better shooting with one too. You don't get glare, framing is easier and it also makes you a little more brave when street shooting. The Visoflex has the sharpest and brightest display I’ve ever seen and has GPS built in to add coordinates to your photos. It’s the best viewfinder I’ve ever used and unfortunately priced like it. The Visoflex is $595 but if you’re like me and prefer shooting through a viewfinder, there’s no other choice.

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Like many things in life, I prefer to reduce the amount of unnecessary complexity. I always have the camera on auto ISO, white balance and focus so when I’m actually shooting, the two dials which are set to aperture and exposure compensation are all I need to interact with. This makes the Lecia’s setup ideal for a user like me. If you insist on shooting in full manual mode, this probably isn’t what you’re looking for.

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

I want to talk about the actual photos that come out of the camera now. The biggest surprise for me has been the camera’s low light performance. Leica was smart in limiting the camera to 16 megapixels because the T does a formidable job in low light. I’m constantly surprised by how much detail can be pulled from these files and how infrequently you have to play with noise reduction in Lightroom.

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Like I’ve said in my initial review, my favorite thing about the T is the way it renders images. There’s a neutral, reportage like look to the photos that I have had to largely simulate with my previous camera. With the T, I just shoot in JPG, do a little bit of post processing and I’m effortlessly at the image I want. What more do you want in a camera?

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Leica likes to remind you that the Summicron-T 2/23 ASPH is a true Leica lens and the results speak for themselves. I almost shoot exclusively wide open and the lens doesn’t seem to show any loss in clarity. I do sometimes miss the really shallow depth of field possible with the Sony RX1 but a photo is more about what’s in focus, not what isn’t.

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Being a 23mm, my Summicron isn’t really designed to be a macro lens. But coming from a RX1 which had a clever macro mode, I do feel a bit limited by the minimum focus distance. The 23mm is fine for shooting food but future investment in a second lens seems like something that’ll have to happen.

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Yes, the Leica T is a niche product, and yes, it’s expensive. We can argue about the T all day long but in the end, it’s just a camera and all that really matters is that it takes photos that its owner is happy with. And the Leica T gets this so right; it renders images in a way I love. Yes, the Sony RX1 is technically superior and more affordable, but to get the Sony’s images to look the way I wanted required a lot of fiddling around. For the longest time, I had spent more time making corrections than shooting photos. I’m now far more focused when I’m taking photos and try to actually put some care into my shots. This camera has made me realize the essence of taking photos again and that’s doing much more than what was advertised.

Last week, I just got back from a trip to Los Angeles. Due to the popularity of my New York City post, I decided to compile a list of notable places I visited during this trip too. This has also been a great opportunity to break in my Leica T, which I’m starting to learn how to work with. I’ll probably report in a few months with a long term review.

Rather than taking a plane and feeling miserable, I decided to drive down to the city all the way from Seattle. Going down features some stunning scenery with the Redwood Highway being the most memorable stretch of road for me. The mammoth trees are truly majestic and the roads are nice and curvy, with a fairly high speed limit.

The change in scenery as you exit Oregon and enter California is also something worth noting. It feels momentous as you break through the cool shade of the forests and get welcomed by the beautiful beaches and the Californian sunshine. It’s an awesome change of pace after hours of looking at trees.

On the second day of driving, I took California State Route 1 to finally reach Los Angeles. It’s runs along the entire coastline of the state which are easily one of the most beautiful in the country. The stretch of road along Big Sur is particularly scenic though I found it to be tedious to drive due to slow traffic and need for constant braking. It’s brilliant for an hour but gets taxing after a few. It’s hard to deny the splendor of driving along the coastline in perfect weather with the ocean breeze in your hair though.

★☆☆☆Avoid, a waste of time.

★★☆☆Good, but mediocre.

★★★☆Great. Worth a visit.

★★★★Exceptional. A spiritual experience.

$Affordable

$$Reasonable

$$$Pricey

LeicaWest Hollywood★★★★$$$

The biggest and most impressive Leica Store I’ve ever been to. The contemporary, gallery like layout really does help put context into why it’s been such a powerful brand for so long. I also found the staff to be the friendliest of all the stores I’ve ever been to. It’s easy to find Leica staff that come off as pretentious but everyone here is nice, helpful and simply passionate about photography. The space is beautiful, modern and relaxing and features more rare cameras like the $50,000 Edition Hermès M9-P.

BulthaupBeverly Grove★★★★$$$

Bulthaup is a German kitchen manufacturer that I’ve always respected. Their LA showroom is tremendously well presented with beautifully curated props that bring their products to life. The space is a great place to seek sanctuary from the outside world of ugly design, with friendly staff that won’t fail to inspire you to refurnish your kitchen, or in my case, earn more money.

Taschen StoreBeverly Hills★★★☆$$

A must visit for book lovers. The German publisher Taschen makes some of the best coffee table books in the world with a good chunk of them being design related. Despite being unorganized and messy, they have a good selection of rare books on display in their second floor library too. It’s also notable that Philippe Starck has designed the store.

The Getty CenterBrentwood★★★★$

It’s hard to comprehend how this place maintains itself by being free to enter. The Getty Center not only houses an amazing collection of art and historical artifacts but is also an impressive architectural achievement. It’s probably the most beautiful location in LA with a quiet, calming environment. It’s astonishing how much this utopian environment contrasts with the chaos of the rest of the city. The museum also offers a spectacular view of downtown Los Angeles and has well kept gardens that are perfect for laying on the grass and chatting with friends.

Opening CeremonyBeverly Grove★★★☆$$$

Located in Charlie Chaplin’s old dance studio, this is a massive store with a huge selection of cutting edge, often times outrageous clothing. Most of the stuff isn’t even close to what I’d wear but it's always entertaining to browse through their unusual curation. The layout is maze-like and a bit uninviting so I personally prefer the smaller and more sophisticated store in NYC.

MujiHollywood★★★★$

This has got to be the largest Muji in America. A large selection of everything from clothing to stationary, it’s a great place to stock up on essentials. As someone that always orders from Muji’s online store, I couldn’t be more jealous.

Upstairs Bar at the Ace HotelDowntown★★☆☆$$

Located on the rooftop of Ace Hotel Los Angeles, this place does so many things right. It’s got a nice view, a fast bar, chill ambiance and a pool too. Unfortunately, the drinks are meh. Not a bad place to be if you’re in the area and are on round 2 or 3 of drinks though.

VarnishDowntown★★★★$$

This is going on my list of favorites in LA. A classic cocktail bar that makes top notch drinks that are enjoyed in a dark, smooth atmosphere. The tiny bar is hidden behind a secretive door, only marked by a drawing of a cocktail. Simple, understated and delicious.

Villains TavernArts District, Downtown★☆☆☆$$

People have raved about this place to me but I couldn’t get into it. Located in the Arts District, Villains Tavern is dirty, erratic and has an unwelcoming hipster atmosphere which I’m increasingly growing tired of. Worst of all are the mediocre, overly sweet drinks which are all served in mason jars. Seriously? If you serve me an old fashioned in a jar, I’m never go back.

UrasawaBeverly Hills★★★★$$$

Run by Hiro Urasawa, Urasawa is the crème de la crème of Japanese restaurants in the city. The omakase only establishment serves mind blowing dishes that aren’t afraid to step out of traditional Japanese cuisine. It’s quickly evident that Urasawa is obsessed with the nuances of ingredients as he tells you the origin of the caviar all the way down to the soy sauce. Everything from the pickled ginger to the salt is apparently hand made by Urasawa himself and has a level of delicate flavor and sophistication that is simply stunning. Sitting at the bar allows you to observe his precise hands at work from searing the kobe beef all the way to laying down gold foil over egg custard with white truffle. The restaurant is obsessive beyond the food too, with the Japanese cherrywood bars being sanded every night to maintain its silky texture. Brilliance does come at a price though, my bill for one came out to just over $500 after tip. It’s a lot of money but it’d be a shame to not experience it at least once. Unfortunately, Urasawa kindly asked me not to take photos of the food to maintain secrecy.

Bhanu Indian Grocery & CuisineSan Gabriel★★★★$

This is my favorite restaurant in LA, period. Honestly, this place deserves five stars out of four. Located inside a dumpy Indian grocery store, the restaurant portion of Bhanu occupies the left half of their floorspace. The food is a total juxtaposition to interior and is humble, full of flavor, and spice, as Indian food should be. The thali served on cafeteria-style plates with an upgrade to garlic nann is my recommendation from the menu. Entertainment is good too with two TVs playing overly dramatic Indian music videos. Be sure to order a mago lassi too as their water always tastes like it’s from a garden hose. I already miss this place

Bäco MercatDowntown★☆☆☆$$

Conceptually, Baco Mercat interesting. Serving mostly small to medium plates, the restaurant primarily has Mediterrean influences without being too specific. The portions are great for ordering a bunch and having a family-style dinner which I love. Unfortunately, I found the dishes to be mediocre and predictable in flavor. It’s not a good sign when you’ve ordered a dozen items and can’t remember loving any of them. As my friend said, “The company was better than the food.”

KazuNoriDowntown★★★☆$

Ever wonder what well done fast casual Japanese food would look like? This is it, it’s the Chipotle of Japanese cuisine. KazuNori serves quick hand rolls that are loosely rolled to emphasize the crispiness of nori. The rolls are fast, the dining experience too fast paced, but properly tasty.

Umami BurgerPasadena★★☆☆$$

This has been my favorite burger in LA but the Pasadena joint just seemed a bit sloppy compared to other locations. Their truffle burger and smushed potatoes are delicious, just make sure you visit the one elsewhere in the city.

TsujitaSawtelle★★★★$

Wow. One of, if not the best ramen I’ve ever had. The tsukemen is what Tsujita is best known for with beautiful, chewy noodles, tender chashu and a brilliant, thick dipping sauce that will leave you craving it the next day. This place is so good that it makes me seriously consider moving to LA in the future.

Il PastaioBeverly Hills★★☆☆$$

This has been my go-to Italian restaurant in LA for a while now. The food surprisingly simple and straightforward for being located in Beverly Hills. It’s not the best I’ve had but it’s always done a good job of satisfying my craving for some pasta. The place is packed without fail and service is pretty much guaranteed to be poor though.

JulienneSan Marino★★★☆$$

A great American breakfast/brunch spot. They have a masterly creme brûlée french toast and do an amazing job with the steak and eggs. See if you can sit in their “library”, it’s a relaxing atmosphere ideal for sunday brunch.

G&B CoffeeDowntown★★★★$

Considered by some to have the best iced lattes in America, G&B is unique in that they show pride in drinks that many coffee snobs shy away from. Most places with coffee this good cringe if you ask for a latte and punch you in the face if you ask for a non-dairy alternative. But G&B is best known for their home made almond-macadamia milk that’s sweet and creamy, thanks to the addition of macadamia. It’s very Southern-California but done exceptionally.

Intelligentsia CoffeePasadena★★★★$$

Originally from Chicago, Intelligentsia is best known for prolific roasting and quality of beans. There’s an undercurrent of pretentious hipsterism but one must acknowledge that they have some of the best coffee in the city.

Nespresso Boutique BarBeverly Hills★☆☆☆$$

Nespresso does a pretty decent job of displaying their products but the cafe section of their retail experience just comes off as taking itself too seriously. Why anyone would pay $6 for a latte pulled from a Nespresso Pod instead of going to an actually coffee shop is beyond me. I’ve got to admit though, they do make a pretty mean milkshake.

OkrumongKoreatown★☆☆☆$

Maybe I’m overly picky about shaved ice but I had a hard time enjoying this place. The ice wasn’t nearly as smooth and consistent as I would have liked with a sloppy presentation. I do appreciate how their menu is dominated by classic Korean flavors rather than modern mutations though. Still, the desserts weren’t nearly as good as the hype made it seem and the interior was absolutely filthy with one of the dirtiest restrooms I’d ever seen. Skip this one.

The Pie HolePasadena★★★☆$

I’m not a pie person but I’ve got to say, I enjoy this place. Solid pies that aren’t too rich, friendly staff and nice cold brew too. It’s really hard to be this well rounded but these guys make it look easy.

Half & Half Tea HouseSan Gabriel★★★★$

I love this place. The milk tea with honey boba and pudding is to die for. I usually don’t drink boba and would rather go to a coffee shop but these guys have some seriously good drinks that I miss from time to time. Many rave about the brick toast but I didn’t find it all that special.

LadyMBeverly Grove★★☆☆$$

Not sure what happened here but something got lost in translation from New York. Their green tea mille crepe cake is normally worthy of deity status but it just wasn’t as good as some of the NYC locations I’ve been to. The quality of the crepes seems like the major culprit here as they’re seemingly unevenly cooked. LadyM was one of the main reasons I went to LA and I was sorely disappointed.

]]>MM Select | Summer 2014reviewsAndrew KimFri, 29 Aug 2014 04:04:39 +0000http://www.minimallyminimal.com/blog/mm-select-summer-201450271a61c4aab6c54f9af5ee:5028140ee4b0195d2ee37559:53f23e27e4b0096d86c9b0fcI always get asked to do reviews or get sent products that aren’t substantial enough for a typical in depth review. This is my solution to the problem - a seasonal collection of things and what I think about them.

★☆☆☆Avoid. Mediocre.

★★☆☆Good, but nothing exceptional.

★★★☆Great. Worth purchasing.

★★★★Exceptional. A spectacular product.

NOTEThe prices displayed are approximately what you should be paying.Make sure you do a bit of digging on the internet to find the lowest price.

DISCLAIMERSome of these products have been sent by their respective manufacturers.

Rōshi in Japanese Buddhism is a title reserved for the most respected teachers and is what the Nike Roshe were named after. The Roshe line is designed with simplicity in mind and has restrained number of part breaks. They’re well proportioned and take diverse colors and materials exceptionally. I love the color combinations in the NM Breeze series, especially the Band-Aid like fused detailing to contrast with the bright blue. I wouldn’t run wearing Roshe but I find them to be comfortable everyday shoes. It’s worth noting that they seem to fit a bit smaller than other shoes so be sure to try them on before you buy.

This is my current note taking/sketching combo I use at work. Field Notes is known for their diverse special edition notebooks and the Shelterwood is a notable one. The cover is made from an actual slice of American Cherrywood bonded to kraft paper. It’s almost magical to see something so thin and flexible made from wood. These are unfortunately completely sold out but you may be able to find them at a local stationary shop. The Ti-POST RAW is a pen completely made of titanium and feels quality thanks to its surprisingly heavy weight. It’s not exactly pretty but has a utilitarian charm and comes with a Uni-Ball Signo cartridges that turns out to be great for sketching. There’s also a removable stylus tip that comes in the box.

A good looking tumbler is seemingly impossible to find so I was excited to discover this offering from the Danish company, Stelton. It has a unique lid that opens via clicking it down, and allows you to drink from any side of the mug.There’s a bunch of interesting CMF options like copper but it suffers from some functional issues; it’s nowhere near as well insulated as choices from brands like Zojirushi and the click top makes it hard to tell if the lid is open or not. It’s an okay choice if you absolutely can’t live with the other hideous competitors out there.

A gooseneck kettle is considered a necessity if you make pour over coffee. I thought of getting a Hario but just couldn’t stand the Michelin Man-like design. The Fino is much more affordable alternative but still manages to feels solid and seems to pour just as well. It’s made in Japan so you can expect it to last too.

I really wanted to like this. Vianel is a new brand based out of New York that’s been making some really attractive products. The V3 is available in a bunch of sweet color combinations, this being navy calfskin with grey edge paint. The big problem with the card holder is that the slots are far to tight. It can barely take 5 cards, which is simply not enough to make it useful.

Menu (or Menu Design Shop) is a Danish company that makes some of the most iconic modern living and dining products these days. This product has been specifically a favorite in our design studio thanks to its iconic form and subtle CMF. They have a soft touch finish and ceramic mills that grind both salt and pepper effortlessly. I particularly like how they store with their mills facing up so you won’t end up with salt and pepper particles everywhere

This has been one of the best things I’ve acquired in the past year. If you’re looking for a 1080p projector and don’t want to spend a ridiculously large sum of money, this is a phenomenal option. It has two HDMI connections and a simple 3.5mm audio output for convenience. The picture quality is crisp, rainbow free and the 2030 does an awesome job at producing accurate, natural color without over saturating everything. Black levels aren’t as good as more premium models but other 1080p alternatives easily cost 2-4 times more.

To celebrate their 80th anniversary, Safilo created a family of frames called the “Capsule Collection”. Each pair of glasses features one of Safilo’s unique materials, in this case, Optyl, a plastic concocted by the company for ultra durability. As you’d expect, Marc Newson’s typical sensibility in form are present in the shape of the lens and the way the temples flow organically into the frames. They’re attractive, comfortable and designed by Newson. What more do you want?

As far as humidifiers go, this is as simple and humble as it gets. Most modern humidifiers use a piezoelectric transducer to atomize water and create mist. The Muji uses a traditional heating element to actually boil water and create evaporation. This does makes the unit inefficient and doesn’t create nearly enough steam for spaces larger than a studio apartment. I do appreciate the simple design and the magnetic power cable to shut the unit off when it falls over. This is a Japan-only product that’ll be hard to obtain outside of the country.

This is the first product made by Heller and is designed by the legendary (and sadly recently deceased) Massimo Vignelli. Made from Lucite, the mug is considered an icon in the design community. Unfortunately, the manufacturing quality feels really poor by modern standards and comes off as retro, not classic. Atleast they’re fairly cheap.

I don’t know if people still buy calculators but I always keep one on my desk because I suck at math. Designed by the infamous English design studio Industrial Facility, the Ten Key is somewhat of a modern classic. It’s a simple calculator but uses classic keyboard mechanisms for that nostalgic tactility. It’s a playful product that just makes you happy.

The AM06 is the latest iteration of Dyson’s Air Multiplier technology which creates a smooth airflow through a channel rather than using blades to chop air. The new model is now more energy efficient and 75% quieter than the previous. In my opinion, the greatest thing about the AM06 is its quiet operation. It’s almost silent at moderate speeds, making it perfect for keeping on while you sleep. Build quality isn’t as good as I had expected but it really is the best fan I’ve ever used. It better be though considering the premium price tag

The Leica T features the first new lens mount* from Leica since 1954. It’s a big deal for the company and has been the most hyped and anticipated camera I’ve ever seen. The waiting list for these are insanely long and it took me two months to finally get my hands on one. Like so many Leica products though, the T hasn’t been without controversy. People say that it’s overpriced and say that it’s beauty without any substance. Here are my thoughts.

*Correction: The Leica R-mount (1964) and S-mount (2008) are new mounts predating the T-mount.

NOTE

All images have been tweaked moderately in Lightroom. Photos taken with the Leica T are labeled as such.

In terms of design, Leica partnered with Audi Design and the result is inarguably stunning. The T is clean, modern and has the unmatched level of craftsmanship you’ve come to expect from Leica. It’s been so popular at our design studio that it hasn’t had a day without being covered in fingerprints.

The packaging is typical Leica. Simple and elegant. The boxes are notably marked “Audi Design”.

If you’ve never seen a Leica unboxing, it’s worth watching one online. The box is organized using drawers and everything comes carefully packed in branded drawstring bags.

Slotting below the M, the T has an 16MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor. If sensor size is important to you, this means that the T is priced significantly higher than you’d expect. I’ve found it to be excellent though, and worthy of the Leica name.

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Though full frame sensors are always nice to have, I don’t see it as a necessity. Unless if you’re shooting professionally, nobody really needs full frame, and the T’s sensor seems to do a beautiful job at rendering images. The T may be painting with a smaller canvas than my previous camera, the Sony RX1, but it’s still managing to paint beautiful ones.

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Many reviewers have complained about the JPEG rendering of the T but I found its desaturated look to be really likable. Paired with the best white balance I’ve ever experienced on a camera, the T produces really nice neutral images. I’ve been shooting almost exclusively in JPEG only mode and the two images above are basically straight out of the camera.

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

If there’s one area that a full frame sensor really becomes necessary, it’s low light. But once again, I’ve found the T to do an admirable job. Yes, the Sony RX1 does a superior job at capturing detail, but the Leica seems to have pretty good noise performance and renders images with wonderfully calm color.

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Even in the harshest of conditions, the T seems to do just fine.. The image above was shot in a really dark restaurant lit almost exclusively by candle light. Just a bit of noise reduction in Lightroom and you’re good to go.

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

The thing that’s impressed me about the T more than anything else is the handling of color. I’ve never done so little post processing in my life, and that’s always been my goal as someone that hates “fixing” photos. The results are almost film-like and feel more natural compared to its Japanese competitors.

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Leica was fairly conservative in only squeezing out 16MP from the CMOS sensor. I think this was a good move though, as the files are pretty robust with good dynamic range. If neccessary, there’s more than enough detail to be pulled out during post processing.

Leica is offering two lenses at launch: a Sunmmicron-T 2/23 ASPH and a Vario-Elmar-T 3.5-5.6/18-56 ASPH. My favorite focal length is 35mm on a full frame sensor so the Summicron 23/2 ended up being the perfect everyday lens for me. The lens is constructed completely out of metal and comes bundled with an equally well made lens hood.

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

The one big difference I’ve noticed shooting with an APS-C sized sensor was not being able to achieve the dramatically shallow levels of depth of field. The Summicron 23/2 is still able to do enough blurring for my style of shooting though I can see how some people would want more.

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Pairing a Leica sensor with a Leica quality lens designed specifically for it turns out to be a good combo. From my experience, the lens is crisp at any aperture setting. This useful especially for those that want to get as much depth of field out of the lens as possible.

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

As I’ve said, the lens’ focal length of 23mm makes it a 35mm equivalent on a full-frame camera. It’s great for everyday street photography and is what I personally like shooting with. While the camera does an amazing job of exposure and white balance, it does seem to suffer from inaccurate auto focus in poor light. I haven’t been too bothered as I’m coming from the Sony RX1 and the Fuji X100 before that; both known to lack in this department. I have missed a few shots regardless and hope Leica will address this in future firmware releases.

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

Leica T + SUMMICRON-T 1:2/23

The Summicron 23/2 has a limited focus distance of 30cm. It’s not unusual and Leica has done this to maximize image quality but it leaves me wanting more. I’m currently considering investing in a M lens that’ll let me get the macro shots I’ll end up wanting to take.

Now we’ve got to address this issue of price. The T costs $1850 and the Sunmmicron-T 2/23 ASPH $1950. Yes, the Leica isn’t exactly a bargain. For just $2800, you could buy a Sony RX1, which I’ve been shooting for the past year. It’s a phenomenal camera and takes photos that can rival the Leica M. The Sony is a brilliant camera with incredible clarity but lacks soul and comes off as being purely engineering driven. There’s nothing wrong with these things, it’s what makes Sony great.

In many ways, the Sony RX1 reminds me of the Nissan GTR. A brilliant, precise tool designed to achieve its goal effortlessly. Despite being amazing products, both the RX1 and GTR lack a certain ability to stir your emotion. You’re most likely to feel a sense of respect for them, rather than fall in love. The 2014 GT-R reaches 60 from a standstill in just 2.9 seconds and costs under $100,000. It’s a number the Ferrari 458 can’t match while costing twice the price. But you’ve got to admit, life isn’t always about numbers and there’s something about that sexy red body.

If you’ve been a long term reader of Minimally Minimal, you know that specs aren’t what get praised here. In addition to the beautiful images, there are three key reasons why I’ve fallen in love with the camera.

01

First is handling.

Yes, handling, like what you’d read about in Evo Magazine. Despite being a fan of photography, I find the camera community too focused on specs and little else. Like driving, shooting with a camera is so much more than performance figures. It’s an intimate experience and just like cars, there are cameras that provide a more tactile, connected experience that cannot be defined by a spec sheet. Is the Leica T overpriced? Well, in the same way you’d say a Porsche is overpriced. But let’s be honest here, if you really love the sensation of driving a Porsche, you’d feel that it’s worth every penny.

The back of the Leica T is dominated by a touchscreen. The display is optically bonded and uses higher quality films than what you’d find on a iPhone. The T’s screen has an impressive image quality but still has a long ways to go to match the responsiveness you’ve come to expect from a smartphone. Simple taps seem to register fine but things like multi-touch gestures feel awfully unresponsive.

Leica has been historically bad at software so it’s been quite ambitious to create something that is so software heavy. It’s no surprise that I’ve noticed a number of software bugs with the T. The camera has already received a new firmware (1.1) that addresses a bunch of issues that early evaluators had noticed. The company has promised more updates in the future so I’m optimistic for the future of the system.

Despite having a few bugs and being less responsive than a smartphone, I found the touchscreen easier to live with than the complex menus you’d normally find on a camera. The Leica T lets you customize a “home screen” with your most frequently used settings. It’s one tap away and super legible.

Thankfully the T’s controls aren’t exclusively touch based, Leica provides two tactile dials that can be customized to various functions. I shoot almost exclusively in aperture priority, set the camera to auto ISO and have the second dial set to exposure compensation. This is the exact setup I’ve wanted for the longest time.

02

The second reason I love the T is its design and attention to detail.

There are of course people that dismiss the merit of the Leica’s gorgeous body. I really don’t have a way of convincing these people that there is value to craftsmanship and design. As a designer that designs products for mass production everyday though, I can only be envious of what Leica designers were able to achieve here. Products this well crafted are truly rare.

Many reviewers have said that the T feels like an Apple product. This is only so if you think the new Range Rover is Apple-like because it’s made of aluminum. The T is machined out of an aluminum block like many of Apple’s products but that’s where the similarities end.

The most notable difference is the stunning finish of the aluminum. Silver Leica cameras have traditionally been painted brass*, seemingly the best way to achieve beautiful satin finishes. But this time, they’ve achieved a lot of that aesthetic using aluminum. As you may know, the Leica T is hand polished for 45 minutes before the final finishing stages. As far as I can see, this isn’t marketing bullshit and there is a clear visual and tactile benefit.

*Correction: A better word to have used would have been plated. The silver M cameras’ brass bodies were plated with nickel then in chrome.

Also, because Leica is able to get away with producing a less compact product, the T has much thicker wall thicknesses and a sense of rigidity that you won’t even get from Cupertino. Trust me, this may be the best execution of aluminum you’ll find in any mass produced product and it’s a beautiful thing.

Even the bundled silicone strap is a thing of beauty. I don’t like neck straps in general so it hasn’t been getting much use though.

The strap connects to the camera using a proprietary locking pin that simply clicks into the camera. It looks brilliant and is a satisfying alternative to those fussy lanyard loops cameras always have. You can remove the strap the same way you would an iPhone SIM card; using a paperclip or the included tool. Leica is expanding the lineup of accessories that make use of this system and I put in an order for a wrist strap.

The T even has built-in Wi-Fi and can connect with an iOS device using the Leica T app. It can be a bit fiddly to set up but came in really helpful when I wanted to upload a couple of photos from the camera to Instagram.

Like the $22000 Leica S, the T has a door-less battery compartment design. The battery is ejected using a latch on the bottom of the camera. Releasing the latch only partially ejects the battery though and as it has a safety mechanism that requires you to push the battery in slightly to fully release it. Clever.

Turning the power switch beyond the on position will eject the built-in flash. It’s so much more of an elegant solution than the ugly hinged doors we’re used to.

Leica has released a ton of interesting cases and accessories to accompany the T. I went for the Protector Leica T ($140) in stone grey leather. It’s a bit on the thick side but the leather is absolutely beautiful and was something all of my designer friends immediately noticed. The case is mounted using a coin screw so be sure to have a coin with you at all times.

03

Lastly, it’s the philosophy Leica has taken.

As a designer, the Leica T’s immense sense of restraint is something I find admirable. It’s easy to make a product that does everything. Focusing on the essential is what’s difficult. And the Leica feels like the essence of what a camera should be.

The T refuses to battle in the megapixel wars or include gimmicky features. Everything about the T is about removing the extraneous and getting the best performance out of the materials at hand. The CMOS sensor, built-in 16GB memory and simple controls are all about taking this stance.

So many products lack of focus and an opinion today and respect for the craftsman has been replaced with a chase of fads. There are so many craftsman that I see everyday, with the potential of making masterpieces. But we are all reduced to making more of less rather than more with less.

Along with the underlying foundation of quality materials and construction, the Leica is also a camera that looks forward. It’s one of the few cameras that actually looks like something that belongs in 2014. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: I’m sick and tired of nostalgic products that take us backwards rather than looking ahead. We need to create an optimistic view of the future and we as a society are failing to do that. The T certainly thinks we can look forward to the future, where everything is essential, honest and has a sense of dedication.

When Steve Jobs first launched the iPhone 4 he said:

"You gotta see this in person. This is beyond the doubt, the most precise thing, and one of the most beautiful we've ever made. Glass on the front and back, and steel around the sides. It's like a beautiful old Leica camera.”

Leica has always been a brand of uncompromised quality and craftsmanship. The reason Leica’s products are expensive isn’t because of a deliberate attempt to overcharge for the products. It’s a side effect of making a beautiful object of desire. For this reason, I don’t see the biggest fault with the Leica T being its price tag or lack of functionality. It’s that Leica produced a camera that people think Apple would make instead of making something Tim Cook mentions in his next keynote.

To truly understand the T, you have to fit into the type of photographer that the camera really aimed at. You have to know what you’re doing but the camera is also going to be underpowered for a pro. It’s a niche product for a specific consumer but also aesthetic preference. If you like smooth, neutral images over purely detailed, plastic ones and hate dealing with ugly, complex interfaces, this may be the camera for you. It sure is for me.

More shots from the Leica T. Every post following this review will be shot using the camera.

Côte&Ciel has been one of the brands I’ve been keeping a close eye on. Their unique, modern aesthetic caught my attention and I’ve been admiring their rapid expansion and collaborations with awesome brands like MYKITA, Comme des Garçons and Attachment. They’re a company that’s forward thinking, something I admire greatly.

DISCLAIMER

The Nile Rucksack has been sent by Côte&Ciel.

Modeling thanks to

A. Kim & T. Sasahara

Earlier this year, Côte&Ciel reached out to me after reading my Isar Rucksack review. They teased a successor to me, touting its progressive, futuristic design. The Isar is the best backpack I’ve ever owned so I knew this had to be interesting.

A few months later, the Nile Rucksack arrived on my doorstep. It’s truly unique like they had promised. It’s appropriately unconventional.

The Nile Rucksack and comes in three colorways. I asked for the Obsidian black model which runs for $325. I don’t really like the rustic CMF of the other two models and think their products really shine when paired with modern materials. All things considered, this is probably their most progressive, avant-garde design to date.

I’ve had the backpack for quite some time now and took it with me on vacation to New York. I’ve also been bringing it to work everyday so it’s given me a ton of time to see how it really performs in the wild.

Like most of the company’s products, the Nile Rucksack is all about allowing a material to express its true form. A cynic would say that it looks like a trash bag, but is there anything wrong with that? The backpack’s form is constructed by its contents, instead of forcing the contents into a conformed cavity. It’s honest form creation.

The backpack has a truly controversial appearance. I always receive compliments when I wear my Isar Rucksack but with the Nile, it leans more towards curiosity. I agree that the Isar is the pretty one out of the family I can’t help but appreciate Côte&Ciel’s creativity in playing with the interaction of fabrics. The Nile has a sinister, monstrous appearance that’s largely constructed from a slick coated polyester. It's water resistant and has a smooth texture that seems to be pretty durable.

My industry connections tell me that Côte&Ciel uses the same manufacturer as Apple does for their new iPhone and iPad cases. It’s no wonder their level of craftsmanship that is so high.

Attention to detail is Côte&Ciel’s speciality and details like the zipper pulls and branding tag really show their obsession. These touches are tasteful and never excessive, something that’s hard to come by.

Like the Isar Rucksack, the Nile Rucksack’s has two storage compartments. The main compartment is accessible via a top zipper and is just big enough for a quick weekend trip.

Stuffed. Its pouch-like design makes it great for irregular items and cramming in clothes. I see these backpacks as utilitarian, urban tools and this kind of functional approach totally makes it.

Though similarly sized, I’ve found the Nile to be easier to live with than the Isar. The top loading opening provides effortless access and makes it possible to carry oversized items like tripods or poster tubes.

Padding is pretty thin on the Nile but still offers enough comfort for everyday use. The grab handle is attached to the shoulder straps, a signature Côte&Ciel design. By the way, the designers have fixed the slipping straps that were problematic on the previous model.

The top of the backpack is held in place using two oversized buckles. They’re covered in calf leather, showing more craftsmanship prowess. The buckles are a bit too flamboyant in my opinion but are fitting with the ominous appearance of the backpack.

The padded laptop compartment is big enough for a 15” MacBook Pro and has enough room for a couple of thin books. You’ll also find a couple of useful pouches and pockets for various accessories like cables. The interior of the backpack is completely finished in a beautiful grey to contrast with the monotone black exterior.

I absolutely love the oversized label located inside this compartment. Any excuse to bridge the gap between graphic and industrial design is a plus in my books.

The unique shape and versatility aren’t the only tricks the Nile has up its sleeve though; it has a concealed rain hood. You didn’t think that bulge was purely aesthetic did you?

The hood is made from a ultra-light woven nylon called ripstop. It’s used in military applications and is used to make things like parachutes and air balloons. It’s completely water and air-proof, perfect for a Seattle resident like myself.

Because it’s made from such a thin material, the hood has a bit of a translucency. It may come off a bit silly but you’ve got to admit, it’s got an interesting futuristic look about it.

Although I love the utility of the Nile, I still prefer my Isar Rucksack. This is largely due to aesthetics. I’m simply more 2001: A Space Odyssey or Oblivion than Batman. Like I’ve said, these backpacks are urban, utilitarian tools and this time, Côte&Ciel took a darker interpretation of this proposition. The Nile does seem like a more cohesive package than the Isar; there are functional improvements and it’s architecturally superior. The new layout, pouches and hood weren’t enough to win me over though, I still end up picking up my older backpack in the morning.

I’m still immensely impressed with what Côte&Ciel is doing though. In a world where everyone is choosing to look backwards and producing retro products, this small group of French creatives are trying to define the aesthetic of the future. I’ve had a hard time trying to find a backpack that I really liked before discovering these guys. Everything seems to cater to nostalgic consumers or be made in a disposable fashion. The Nile Rucksack points where we should be headed. Reasonably priced, well crafted, progressively styled and extremely functional. It’s about time that we’ve let go of the past. Côte&Ciel, please don’t stop what you’re doing.

Located across the street from the amazing Sushi Yasuda, Sakagura specializes in sake and small plates. Despite being well crafted, I found the food to be good but not great. Sakagura is all about sake though, so be sure to browse their massive collection and ask the waiter for a recommendation. Ours made a great pairing with our food and was enjoyed by people in our party who don’t even like sake.

Fette Sau★★☆☆

Located in Williamsburg, Fette Sau does some really good barbecue and has nice beers on tap. I’m not a ribs person so I went with the pulled pork. The meat is sold by weight and served on butcher paper. I recommend the baked beans and be sure to use their hot sauce located at the tables. I hate the shitty distressed garage atmosphere and cocky attitude though - stop it, we've all had enough.

Lady M★★★★

An incredible feat of mankind, Lady M is the definition of brilliance. A dessert shop that specializes in crêpe cakes, Lady M is tidy, modern and best of all, gloriously tasty. I ended up going four times during my visit and enjoyed it more with every visit. The green tea mille crêpe cake is my personal favorite and pairs brilliantly with a cup of macchiato. I personally like the Bryant Park location - enjoying a slice of cake in the park is pure bliss. This may be the greatest thing in New York, or even the world.

Basta Pasta★★★☆

If I had to pick two of my favorite cuisines, I would have to pick Italian and Japanese. Basta Pasta combines those two things; it’s essentially Italian food that you’d find in Japan. Most of the dishes are mostly Italian but have a cleanliness in flavor that’s typically Japanese. They cook the pasta perfectly, something that’s annoyingly not universal. It’s nothing revolutionary but thoroughly enjoyable.

Jungsik★★★★

High-end Korean fusion with a price and flavor to match. I didn’t bring my camera so these iPhone photos are sadly all I have. Jungsik offers top notch service and loads of creativity in the dishes. I appreciate how Jungsik’s ornate garnish actually has clear flavor and texture benefits unlike so many other fine dining establishments. Expect to pay $150-200 per person. Though pricey, I honestly believe there’s substance here. The biggest flaw with Jungsik is the uninspired interior decor and ambiance.

Great coffee located in a couple of places including SoHo on the same block as Mykita and G-Star Raw. They have no menu and expect you to be there to drink coffee, not sugared water. A bit snobby but the really do have some solid beans.

Fika★★☆☆

Originally from Sweden, Fika offers a unique alternative to your standard choices of affordable, convenient caffeine. They offer some simple dishes and pastries that also help complete the Scandinavian mood. Good coffee and some interesting Swedish pastries that are a thousand times better than your usual suspects. *cough* Starbucks *cough*

Apple Store 5th Avenue★★★★

This is probably the most iconic Apple Store in the world and it’s easy to see why. Apple changed the glass panels to even bigger ones about a year ago and its truly a magnificent sight. All of my friends who live in the city say that the Genius Bar experience is better elsewhere though.

Vitsœ★★★☆

Design fans will know Vitsœ as the the brand with products designed by the legendary Dieter Rams. They currently produce the 606 Universal Shelving System, the 620 Chair Program and the 621 Side Table, all of which can bee seen at the store. Though small, it’s a must visit for any design fan. Oddly, they keep their door locked and you need to ring a buzzer to enter.

Niketown★★★★

A massive store with everything displayed brilliantly. I particularly love the glass cube with artificial turf that lets you test drive the new Mercurial Superfly FG. If you're a Nike fan or have interest in retail design, this place is a must visit.

MUJI (Times Square)★★★☆

This is my favorite Muji location in NYC. It’s located in the beautiful New York Times building and has a pretty large selection of everything from kitchenware to clothing. It’s a beautiful Muji store, what more can I say?

The Guggenheim★★★☆

The Italian Futurism exhibition that’s on right now is a must-see. The exhibition focuses on the later phases of futurism but also includes icons from the first phase like Umberto Boccioni’s Unique Forms of Continuity in Space (1913) and Tullio Crali's Before the Parachute Opens (1939). It was always my favorite topic during art history class and the Guggenheim has done a phenomenal job of curating some fascinating work. The museum loses a star for rude staff and placing toilets everywhere that stink up the museum. The Guggenheim’s chaotic architecture actually works well with the Futurism exhibition though.

MoMa★★★★

Meticulously curated, maintained and run, MoMa is my favorite museum in New York. As far as value for money goes, you can’t beat the MoMa. It’s truly shocking how much great work you can look at for a mere $25. It’s a great museum but ruined by large crowds and people that have no respect towards art. This makes avoiding Fridays a must as they’re made free by Uniqlo and therefore packed. Go on a weekday when they open (10:30AM) and start at the top floor (most people start from the bottom).